Previous studies have reported on the health effects of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, and piperine, which is contained in black or long pepper. These compounds can have anti-inflammatory effects or enhance the activity of medicines, respectively. A team of researchers wanted to investigate the effects of these substances on animal models of blood pressure.

The scientists experimented on rats by feeding them chemicals that raised their blood pressure. Afterward, the subjects either consumed curcumin, piperine, neither or both. Results showed that these two compounds can help support healthy blood pressure individually, with curcumin having a more significant effect. However, a combination of these two spices was not much more helpful, as published Oct. 17 in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism.

Turmeric and piperine may exert their effects on blood pressure by acting on the blood vessels, affecting factors such as the vessels' thickness and the activity of the smooth muscle cells.

Currently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, is funding research on the effects of turmeric on the health of the liver, skeleton and other systems.

Blood pressure measurements below 120/80 have previously been the standard for optimal blood pressure rankings.

However, the researchers found that data from more than 13,000 survey respondents showed no increased risk of death among young adults who had diastolic readings (DBP) 20 points higher than what was considered to be normal, and older adults whose systolic pressures (SBP) were elevated by 20 additional increments.

Significantly higher rates of premature death were only found in participants who were over the age of 50 and had SBPs more than 140 and younger subjects who had DBPs greater than 100.

"We believe considering this kind of approach represents a critical step in ensuring that diagnoses are given only to those with a meaningful elevation in risk, and targeted towards individuals most likely to benefit," lead study author Brent Taylor said.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the cause of more than 56,000 deaths in the United States per year.

However, some people who want to promote good ear and digestive health may not need to look any further than their kitchen cabinets for a remedy.

A recent article published by the Kansas City Community News reported that while garlic has been known for its ability to balance blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it may also be a useful treatment for earaches.

The newspaper explained that to take advantage of the beneficial effects of garlic for earaches, individuals can squeeze a drop of garlic oil into the affected ear before they go to bed.

Fennel seed may promote good digestive health by promoting the breakdown of food higher up in the digestive tract. The news provider said that this process may help people avoid feelings of bloating and gas since less food will be digested in the large intestine.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, as many as 70 million Americans are affected by poor digestive health.

An article published by Fox News cited a study published in HerbalGram, the Journal of the American Botanical Council, which indicated that Americans spend more than $5.2 billion on herbal supplements annually. Products like flax seed oil, wheat and barley grass juices, aloe vera, turmeric, cranberry, soy and ginkgo account for much of these sales.

The news provider discussed several studies that found supplements containing beetroot and the herb hawthorne may be viable methods for improving heart health.

The news source reported that these natural options promote blood vessel flexibility to help promote healthy blood pressure and improve circulation.

In addition, some research has indicated that consuming 200 grams of acai fruit pulp daily may help balance cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin levels, the news organization said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 630,000 Americans die each year due to heart disease.

According to a recent article published by WomenCitizen.com, aloe vera may help promote healthy blood pressure levels through oxygenation and protecting the body against oxidative stress. The plant increases blood circulation by supporting clear, healthy arteries for smooth blood flow, which may also help enhance a person's heart health.

Some people who have joint and muscle discomfort experience impaired mobility that affects their quality of life. However, the news provider reported that aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that promote cell growth and help repair damaged tissue, which may improve joint health and comfort.

Finally, aloe vera may be used for detoxification, the news source explained. Some people drink aloe vera juice to naturally cleanse their digestive systems and increase their bodies' ability to absorb essential nutrients.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the plant for use as a natural food flavoring.

• Calcium buildup in your arteries
• Inadequate amounts of nitric oxide (NO)
• Presence of the enzyme Angiotensin II

When your blood pressure rises, one reason may be calcium plaque deposits in your blood vessels. The diameter of your veins and arteries affects the amount of pressure your blood must exert to pass through, and a larger opening requires less pressure. But when blood vessels become lined with layers of calcium deposits, your blood has to squeeze through narrowed pathways—and your blood pressure soars.

Another reason your blood pressure may be rising is unbalanced levels of NO which is naturally produced in your body from arginine and oxygen. This gaseous molecule signals your blood vessels to relax and open up to allow blood to easily pass through. The widening of the blood vessels—called vasodilation—increases your blood flow, decreases your blood pressure and helps keep your blood platelets from sticking together.

And the final problem that may be causing unstable blood pressure is blood vessel constriction and water retention caused by the Angiotensin II enzyme. When the blood vessels constrict, your blood must try to squeeze through which can damage the lining and turn your arteries hard and stiff. Plus, this enzyme can also raise your sodium levels, resulting in water retention and elevated blood pressure.
 
But there are natural vitamins and nutrients that help combat these serious threats to your blood pressure health such as vitamin K2, grapeseed extract and blueberry extract. With these all-natural methods you can effectively manage your blood pressure and help protect your cardiovascular system. And a balanced blood pressure and healthy heart provide a solid foundation for a healthy life.

The study involved more than 14,000 participants, 11 percent of whom reported that they had already been told that they had hypertension by their healthcare provider.

The researchers measured the subjects' blood pressure three times to ensure accurate readings. They defined high blood pressure as 140/90 millimeters of mercury or greater.

The study's results showed that 19 percent of the participants had high blood pressure. However, the researchers noted that their findings varied significantly from another recent study, which found that only 4 percent of young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 were hypertensive.

"We explored several possible explanations for the difference between this study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including participant characteristics, where they were examined, and the types of devices for measuring their blood pressure. None of these factors could account for the differences," said lead researcher Kathleen Mullan Harris.

According to a recent study published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, women who consume five or more servings of baked or broiled fish per week have a 30 percent decreased risk of heart failure, compared to women who ate little or none of the seafood.

One reason for this may be that omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved heart health, since they decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve blood pressure and overall blood vessel function, the researchers explained.

"Baking or broiling fish and eating it frequently seem to be part of a dietary pattern that is very beneficial for a number of things. This suggests that fish is a very good source of lean protein that we ought to be increasing as a proportion of our diet and decreasing foods that contain less healthy saturated and trans fats," said lead researcher Lloyd-Jones.

"This relatively simple and low cost intervention may have value in reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia and associated preterm birth," said the study's authors.

The researcher incorporated L-arginine, an amino acid that helps to maintain a healthy blood flow during pregnancy, and protective antioxidant vitamins into a daily food bar that some of the participants consumed from the time they were 20 weeks pregnant until delivery. Other subjects ate either a placebo bar or one that only contained the vitamins.

The study's results showed that more than 30 percent of women in the placebo group developed pre-eclampsia, compared to 22 percent in the vitamin subset and less than 13 percent of those who consumed the combination supplement.

Despite the promising findings, the researchers said that more extensive research will need to be conducted to determine if these supplements have any negative effects.

The researchers said that these common false beliefs may contribute to the prevalence of high blood pressure and heart disease among Americans.

The study's findings showed that 66 percent of respondents agree with the statement that red wine promotes good heart health, but 30 percent indicated that they did not know that AHA recommends that men do not drink more than two four-ounce alcoholic beverages per day or no more than one daily for women.

Likewise, a total of 61 percent of participants answered that they believe sea salt has less sodium than the table variety. However, the AHA explained that both of these products contain 40 percent sodium.