Nutrition for Heart Health- OM Nutrition &
Hypertension
Oriental medicine (OM) nutrition combines ancient wisdom
with modern science. OM nutrition is a holistic approach, which aims to balance
all five flavors within most meals with one or two flavors being emphasized for
therapeutic purposes. OM nutrition for a hypertension emphasizes bitter
flavors, sour flavors and energetically-cooling foods.
OM theory states the bitter flavor benefits the heart in
moderation but an excess is harmful as it has a drying effect; for example,
coffee is bitter. In moderation coffee acts as vasodilator increasing
circulation but in excess it can raise blood pressure and has a diuretic
effect. Modern scientific research has discovered while the human genome has 25
bitter taste receptors 12 of these are expressed in the human heart.
Foods with bitter flavors include: romaine lettuce,
dandelion, arugula, rye. Foods that combine bitter with pungency include:
citrus peel, radish, scallion and white pepper. In OM nutrition the pungent
flavor can help disperse phlegm (e.g. plaque). Foods that combine bitter with
sweet include: asparagus, celery, tomatoes, lettuce, quinoa and papaya. Lemon
rind is bitter and sour; vinegar is also bitter and sour.
Bitter flavors have a yin, or cooling effect, clearing heat
in the body while encouraging a descent of Qi, which aids in the draining of
fluids. For example, celery contains the phytochemical phthalides which relaxes
arterial wall tissues to increase blood flow and thereby reduce blood pressure.
The fiber, magnesium and potassium in celery also help lower blood pressure and
regulate fluid balance. Caution: according to OM, those with a lot of dryness
and/or bone disease should moderate their intake of bitter flavor.
A tomato a day keeps the doctor away! The combination of
lycopene, vitamin C and E, potassium and folic acid in tomatoes make it a power
food for heart health. The bitter flavor of tomatoes come from the seeds; to
reap the full benefit of tomatoes eat the seeds too. Heirloom tomatoes in
season have the most flavor, find the tastiest tomatoes at your farmer’s market
or trying growing your own.
Summer is the season of the heart according to Chinese
medicine, meaning it is the season most likely to bring our hearts out of
balance if we are exposed to excess heat, which can then create and/or
exacerbate internal heat. During the summer OM nutrition recommends drinking
and eating foods that cool the body and heart such as green tea, cucumbers,
watermelon and lemon.
Chrysanthemum tea is a very popular summertime tea in Asia
because it is so well known for its cooling properties; it is helpful for
headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, chest pain and also fevers. You can
add chrysanthemum flowers to your morning green tea and in the evening combine
it with chamomile tea for extra cooling benefits!
OM nutrition cautions against overdoing cold foods and
drinks. Too much cold inhibits the digestive process. Drinking warm beverages
and soups, as well as eating foods with a little pungency (chili pepper,
garlic, ginger) causes the body to perspire slightly which naturally cools the
body.
For those who happen to have hypertension plus a lot of
dryness: dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth and thirst, constipation and even
hormonal deficiencies can benefit from increasing their healthy fat intake.
Many nutrients are fat soluble, the body uses cholesterol to make hormones,
bile and vitamin D. Healthy fats nourish yin in OM nutrition theory. Some
Americans who suffer from hypertension are also thin with an underlying yin
deficiency, such as those with the onset of hypertension that coincides with
menopausal symptoms. Sources of healthy fats include: nuts, seeds, avocado,
olive oil, flaxseed oil and fish.
Bishara Wilson
New York Sports Acupuncture
www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com
888.375.5444
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