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Showing posts from August, 2014

Flaxseed Lowers Blood Pressure

Eating flaxseed reduces blood pressure, according to  researchers from Canada’s St. Boniface Hospital Research  Center. They attribute the effect to its omega-3  fatty acids, lignans and fiber. The researchers examined the effects of flaxseed  on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients  with peripheral artery disease, a condition typically  marked by hypertension. Patients consumed a variety of foods that collectively  contained 30 grams of milled flaxseed or a placebo each day for six months. The flaxseed group experienced significantly increased plasma levels of certain  omega-3 fatty acids and lower average systolic blood pressure (by 10 mmHg) and  diastolic blood pressure (by 7 mm Hg). Those in the flaxseed group with initial systolic  blood pressure levels over 140 mmHg saw reductions averaging 15 mmHg.