Having high blood pressure can cause a number of serious diseases including heart attacks and strokes.
Also known as hypertension, it's estimated to affect over a quarter of adults in the UK, equating to around 14.4 million people.
Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers with the top number being the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure). The bottom number is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).
With new research finding the conditions added link to increased osteoporosis and bone ageing, finding ways to lower your reading is vital.
This is where a powerful and delicious tea comes in to play.
What is hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea that’s made from the hibiscus plant.
Research has revealed a number of health benefits of drinking the tea which include fighting off bacteria, lowering fat levels and preventing some types of cancer.
The tea is said to work quickly too, with research finding the tea’s positive effects on blood pressure in as little as an hour.
Research from Tufts has found that drinking up to three cups of hibiscus tea helped to lower blood pressure significantly compared to a placebo.
The tea’s antioxidant phytonutrients were shown to be absorbed into a person’s blood stream with the results shown to take affect quickly.
Researchers also noted a drop in the participant’s systolic blood pressure by six points compared to the control group.
A five-point drop may lead to 14% fewer stroke deaths, 9% fewer fatal heart attacks, and 7% fewer deaths overall each year.
Other health benefits noted from drinking hibiscus tea
- Lowers blood fat levels
- Improves liver health
- Boost weight loss
- Prevent certain cancers
- Fights against bacteria
High blood pressure increases osteoporosis risk
According to new research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2022 conference, bone loss and osteoporosis-related bone damage may occur for those suffering with high blood pressure.
The study, which was performed on mice, looked at the potential relationship between hypertension and bone ageing.
Researchers compared young mice with induced hypertension to older mice without hypertension.
The human age equivalent was about 20-30 years old for the young mice and about 47-56 years old for the older mice.
It found that when compared to the young mice without hypertension, the young mice with induced hypertension had a significant 24% reduction in bone volume fraction.
A 18% reduction in the thickness of the sponge-like trabecular bone located at the end of long bones, such as femurs and the spinal column was also found, and a 34% reduction in estimated failure force, which is the ability of bones to withstand different types of force.
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