Does resveratrol lower blood pressure?

Resveratrol is a natural compound found primarily in the skin of red grapes, peanuts and certain berries. It gained fame due to its possible health benefits such as lowering blood pressure. However, the question remains: does resveratrol lower blood pressure? Let’s explore this topic further!

The Hypertension Epidemic

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects more than 1 billion people globally and approximately 30% of them remain undiagnosed! That means that you could be walking around with hypertension without even realizing it. So, what exactly is hypertension?

Well, in essence (if you didn’t already know) hypertension is when there is an increase in the force of your blood pushing against your arterial walls. This occurs when either your heart pumps too much blood or if your arteries are narrow/clogged which may affect how easily the heart can pump effectively.

This forces our kidneys to work harder ultimately leading to damage over time, thus increasing risks for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There are several causes of high blood pressure including but not limited to:

  • Age – As we age, our biological systems tend to weaken leading us more prone toward developing conditions like hypertension.
  • Genetics – Some families have genetically higher risks or predispositions towards developing HBP
  • Physical Inactivity – This results in a slow circulation hence body tissues receive less oxygen supply eventually resulting in high BP overtime.
    High Salt Intake- The major source of salt will be coming from processed foods that one consumes which also puts higher risk on other factors like obesity by adding extra calorie intake
  • Alcohol consumption- A lot people love alcohol but guess what?? It comes with consequences ! Alcohol consumption increases sympathetic nervous system activity actually causing elevations in BP levels.

Medications for High Blood Pressure

Most individuals diagnosed with hypertension often rely on medication as the main form of treatment. Some of such include:

  • Diuretics which decrease the amount of fluid that builds up in your body.
  • ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) – These help widen blood vessels to make it easier for blood to flow into and out of your heart more effectively
    Calcium channel blockers- these relax arterial walls allowing the increased blood flow thus lowering BP much effective
  • Beta Blockers- Activation/availability reduces resulting in less stress hormones being made ultimately having a calming effect.

The Resveratrol Hype

Resveratrol is naturally found in certain foods and drinks, especially red wine. Over time, people began believing that it could be helpful in reducing high blood pressure levels.

In fact (hold my drink) according to some research done by an elite group (interpret this as you may) due to potent anti-inflammatory properties within resveratrol has been accurately shown to prevent plaque buildup within arteries while relaxing them opening upcoming ways towards lower BP

Studies Conducted

Several studies have attempted exploring whether or not resveratrol can reduce high blood pressure levels with mixed results reported coming from experimental animals . For example, one study showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after supplementing rats with dose-dependent amounts of resveratrol for six weeks where plausibly they had resorption happening. However another study was counterproductive stating higher doses than observed ones normalized their renovascular hypertension marker ultimately pointing out that dosage variation determine versatility among organisms testifying how complex human health really is!

It’s essential not forgetting (wait..I forgot what I was supposed to say again?)oh yes other major research contradicts aforementioned claiming no differences between groups taking placebos vs actual doses stating lack scientific evidence supporting any efficacy whatsoever

Therefore so far there is yet no clear conclusion related likely effectiveness towards resveratrol regarding blood pressure control in humans until further evidences presents itself later on.

How Does Resveratrol Work?

Well, resveratrol has been observed to work differently depending on the biochemical processes going on within your body. It is a compound that activates what are referred to as sirtuin enzymes which help with reducing stiffness of arteries and overall improvement in vascular function thus allowing easier flow throughout cardiovascular system.

These play roles within cellular maintenance (when breaking down old cells resulting into newer ones), DNA repair and ultimately stress responses defending our bodies against pathogen attacks (did someone say immunity-boosting ??) by promoting resilience among cells keeping them working optimally (you go, cells!).

That said, there have been some studies suggesting that resveratrol may stimulate the production of nitric oxide -a vasodilator- relaxing arterial walls when needed helping regulate BP levels more efficiently preventing complications like stroke or heart attack from happening for people living high risk lifestyle patterns (niceee….) .

Unfortunately, none of these positive outcomes related towards improved BP can be testified about human subjects; only testing done being carried out so far relate towards animal models requires much more research still…but did anyone mention “baby steps”?.

Hey let’s give it another shot why not!

Possible Side Effects

Although consumption of foods such as red wine does contain natural occurring levels safe for human intake but taking excessive amount doses get you drunk over time rather than benefits promised also results liver dysfunctionality negative healthy effects one would never expect,

In-taking excessive pure sources manufactured supplements proves toxic causing dysentery nausea etc…(I bet nobody wants see discomforts )

Therefore moderation should always come first if found wanting utilize extracts dosed according with doctor offices wisely evaluated…

# The Takeaway

As we wind up this discussion bearing evident strains laughter throughout article making learning process simpler yet effective as possible, the matter of whether resveratrol actually helps in lowering blood pressure remains something worth trying out as long incisive discussions meeting medical advisors come into place.

Although most positive outcomes regarding improved BP levels relate towards animal models it’s yet to be seen if indeed this can translate same results onto humans since we are different from rats genetically and physiologically.

Overall, include moderate doses within your diet. Nonetheless rely on medications whenever possible adding regular visits to doctor offices improve present condition ensuring you proceed with life enriched wholeness in terms of hale and more relaxed body physiology ultimately glorifying God who is always our HOPE beyond any means or measure!

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