Nearly 1 in 3 Americans has high Blood Pressure, most typically treated by dietary changes, lifestyle and medication. In recent years it’s also been the focus of numerous studies of natural alternatives.

One such study of more than 50,000 Japanese men and women, found that high dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B 6 were associated with a reduced risk of mortality from stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure.¹ Another study of 1,400 adults aged 22-74 suggested that 500 mg. of vitamin C over an eight-week period showed modest lowering of blood pressure.² Popular and highly tolerable, garlic, has also shown promise with hypertension. It appears that garlic-derived polysulfides help induce smooth muscle cell relaxation, vasodilation, and blood pressure reduction.³ Additional studies are now underway.

1. Cui R., et al. Dietary folate and vitamin B in relation to mortality. Stroke. 2010 Jun; 41(6): 1285-9.
2. Juraschek, S.P. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Online April 4, 2012.
3. Ried K, Fakler P, Potential of garlic in lowering high blood pressure. Integr Blood Press Control 2014 Dec 9;7:71-82.