Treatment of hypertension with sunflower seeds

One of the most effective folk remedies for the treatment of hypertension are sunflower seeds. They are rich in useful trace elements (vitamin E, folic acid, vegetable protein and fiber).

A handful of seeds a day helps lower blood pressure and prolong heart muscle health.

You can use seeds alone or in combination with other products (for example, making decoctions with dill).

How seeds help with hypertension

High blood pressure, known as the "silent killer", is one of the biggest health risks of every modern person. About 30% of the total population of Russia suffers from hypertension.

High blood pressure can cause a myriad of problems, such as: 

• diabetes;
• stroke;
• heart disease, kidney disease;
• can lead to premature death.

The only way to detect it is to measure your blood pressure regularly.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury and is written as two separate numbers: 

• the first indicator shows the pressure inside the artery when the heart is compressed by muscles;
• the second number is the pressure in the arteries when the muscle is resting between heartbeats.

One of the most effective folk remedies for the treatment of hypertension are sunflower seeds (in an independent form or as part of a decoction).

It's certainly not a cure for a serious disease, but studies have shown that a diet high in fiber, low fat dairy products, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in vegetable protein in the diet can significantly affect the normalization of blood pressure. Sunflower seeds combine all of the above in an amazing way.

Useful properties of sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, folic acid, vegetable protein and fiber. They are also a good source of magnesium, but this only applies to unsalted grains. A high salt content neutralizes the beneficial properties of the product.

The table shows the content of vitamins and useful trace elements in sunflower seeds.

Sunflower seeds are one of the main sources of polyunsaturated fats.

As you can see from the table, sunflower seeds are a serious source of vitamin E, the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is able to neutralize free radicals that can harm fat-containing structures and molecules such as brain cell membranes. Due to this, vitamin E plays an important role in the prevention of diseases associated with hypertension.

Sunflower seeds are a good source of magnesium. Scientific studies have shown that magnesium helps in the treatment of asthma, reduces blood pressure and prevents migraines, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. Magnesium balances calcium, helping to regulate a person's nervous system and muscle tone. In nerve cells, magnesium serves as its own calcium channel blocker, preventing calcium from reaching the nerve cell and activating the nerve. By blocking calcium entry, magnesium helps keep our nerves (as well as blood vessels and muscles) relaxed. If there is not enough magnesium in the human body, calcium gets free access to the cells of the nervous system, activates them and causes excessive contraction.

Thus, a lack of magnesium contributes to:

• increase in blood pressure;
• muscle spasms (including spasms of the heart muscle or spasms of the respiratory tract, symptomatic asthma);
• headaches;
• stress and excessive fatigue.

Sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of selenium, a trace element that is of great importance for human health. The collected data indicate a strong inverse correlation between selenium intake and cancer incidence. Selenium promotes DNA repair, which helps eliminate worn-out or abnormal cells in the body.

How to use seeds to reduce pressure

Today, sunflower seeds are among the most consumed in the world.

They can be eaten raw, sprouted, fried, or you can prepare medicinal decoctions, combine with other ingredients, such as dill seeds, which is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

The most common decoction recipe is as follows:

1. Pour well-washed unpeeled seeds with two liters of chilled filtered water.
2. Then simmer over low heat for about two hours.
3. Strain thoroughly.
4. The decoction should be drunk throughout the day.

It is very easy to add sunflower seeds to your favorite meals or snacks.

Simple ways to consume seeds more often are as follows:

• Add sunflower seeds to your morning oatmeal. You can use sprouted, raw or roasted grains.
• Toss the seeds into your favorite salad or use them in a homemade dressing.
• Don't forget about them when making smoothies. A tablespoon of seeds will add spice to vegetable and fruit mixtures.
• Add seeds to your bread maker when making your favorite baked goods.

Recipes for decoctions based on dill and seeds

The combination of dill and sunflower seeds in the preparation of medicinal decoctions gives a more stable and pronounced effect than the use of only one component. However, there are several conditions. Broths are best brewed every day. Before using them, it is worth studying the contraindications and consequences of taking them.

For the preparation of decoctions, seeds, flowers, leaves and stems of dill are used.

Decoctions of dill and sunflower seeds contribute to the expansion of blood vessels, have a pronounced diuretic effect, lower blood pressure, and therefore are often used as components of a therapeutic complex in the treatment of hypertension.

Traditional medicine knows a huge number of decoctions based on seeds and dill for the treatment of hypertension:

1. 3 tsp dill and sunflower seeds pour 2 tbsp. boiling water, let stand for 10-15 minutes, strain, take a decoction of ½ cup 3 times a day for half an hour before meals.
2. Grind hawthorn fruits, dill seeds, sunflower seeds and mix in equal proportions. One st. collection spoon to add 1 tbsp. boiling water, cover and leave for 3 hours. Drink a decoction of 50 ml 3 times a day before meals.
3. Take 1 part hop cones, 1 part peppermint (leaves), 1 part valerian roots, 2 parts sunflower (seeds), 2 parts dill (seeds). Mix all ingredients. 1.5 st. collection spoons pour 2 tbsp. boiling water, let stand for half an hour, take a decoction of ½ cup in the morning and evening.

Before using medicinal decoctions, be sure to consult with your doctor.