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I read about a study that was done at Queen Mary University that looked at the heart protective potential of several beverages including green tea, wine, cocoa and cranberry juice. Researchers found a group of chemicals known as oligomeric procyanidins that block the body's production of another chemical that causes blood vessels to constrict. These are flavonoids that work mainly as antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants are also found in grapes, berries, and green tea. Cranberries also contain these antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure and protect the heart from damage.

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If you take medications for heart disease, be cautious about any herbs you may be taking at the same time. Studies have shown that some common herbal supplements may have harmful interactions with cardiovascular drugs. These supplements include St. Johns wort, garlic and ginko biloba. These herbs can also reduce or augment the potency of heart disease medications which could lead to serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about possible issues that could occur.

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Fibrous Carbs Vs. Starchy Carbs

The end result of all broken down carbs is glucose, also called blood sugar. Whether it's bread, broccoli or a spoon of sugar, the body breaks each of these down to use as a main fuel source. The body needs carbs but which ones are best?  Complex carbs take longer to break down offering a more sustained supply of energy for the body. Simple carbs are sugar and fruit which convert rapidly creating a rapid energy boost but it doesn't last long and has a quick decline. If you're looking to lose weight, fibrous leafy vegetables are what you want to eat, keeping away from breads and pastas. Vegetables are your best bet for a lower calorie count and a ...

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If you suffer from high blood pressure there are a few alternatives to  conventional medicines that can help. First and foremost eat healthy and keep your weight in check. Be mindful of your stress levels and learn to relax. Look into therapies like meditation, yoga and massage. Magnet therapy  have been shown to keep blood pressure down with no side effects. Acupuncture or chiropractic  treatments can help restore the body's balance and ease strain put on the heart. Vitamins and herbs like calcium, potassium and magnesium can help a great deal along with increasing portions of fruits and vegetables into your diet.

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If you suffer from hypertension and are wanting to stay away from medication if possible, you may benefit from eating these foods to keep your blood pressure down. Oatmeal is a very powerful food to lower your numbers having a lot of fiber and helps bind fat to the body before flushing it away. Garlic and onions thin out the blood which makes it easier to pump through your body. Melons which includes cucumbers have been shown to lower blood pressure and won't leave you with nasty breath! Eating these foods and getting proper exercise can be very helpful in keeping you in a normal range.

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A new study at Brigham Young University found that those who were parents, particularly women had lower pressure pressure than toe who were not parents.  Of course this isn't the only route to lowering blood pressure. daily exercise and a low-sodium diet can also help.  The study explains that caring for children can bring a sense of purpose and meaning relieving stress that can raise blood pressure.  So children can now take partial credit for the health of mom's health. To read more about the study check out the Medical News Today article.

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The Four Best Foods for Runners

If you're a runner food can be very important, you want to be full but not pack on the pounds. The following foods are specific to runners can be be good for everyone. Almonds help prevent achey muscles and they have a lot of vitamin E and protein. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C which can help muscles heal and help absorb iron that can prevent fatigue and low energy levels. Sweet potatoes are a good source of energy-supplying carbs and beta carotene and they are also high in potassium and magnesium, which runners can lose when they sweat. Tuna is a great source of protein giving you about half of your daily intake.

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Slowing the Decline of Aging

Remedies for staying young are nothing new, there are many things on the market that claim to help slow the aging process.  Many take gingko biloba to keep their minds sharp, but a new study has shows that it does not help stave off cognitive decline. From this study doctors found no evidence that gingko delayed or prevented any normal declines in language, memory, attention, or functions such as anticipating outcomes and adapting to changing situations or thinking abstractly. Some believe that they feel better when taking it even if there is no visual effect. People just need to be realistic about their expectations.

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When you don't have enough potassium you may begin to have symptoms of high blood pressure. It's an important mineral that can regulate and normalize your blood pressure. It is also necessary for the healthy functioning of cells, nerves and membranes. You can get potassium from a variety of foods like dried apricots, dried figs, avocados, baked potatoes, kidney beans and bananas. Sodium is linked with high blood pressure and lowering your sodium intake may not be enough, add these foods into your diet to increase your level of potassium.

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In the US an estimate of 30% of deaths of the cardiovascular system was linked to smoking. There is also a relationship to high blood pressure. The more you smoke the higher the risk. Smoking can increase myocardial infarction which increases the risk of heart disease. Nicotine is really the culprit, reducing oxygen levels in the tissues of the heart, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, blood clotting. If you're a smoker quitting sooner rather than later could save your life.

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