Honey has been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including reduced blood pressure and blood fat levels.
As per Ayurveda, honey and water could do wonders to bring high blood pressure levels in control. According to 'The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies' by Dr. Vasant Lad, "Add a teaspoon of honey and 5 to 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water, and drink it early in the morning.
Honey significantly (p = 0.05) decreased SBP from 117.80±0.88 to 110.20±2.14 after 15 minutes of honey intake, the significant (p = 0.05) decrease was maintain after 30 minutes of honey consumption at 111.33±2.14, and it was also observed after 60 minutes of honey intake at 110.4±2.08.
However, honey itself is another form of sugar, and it should be consumed only in moderation, experts say. Studies show added sugars can be empty calories that increase the risk for obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and cavities.
Improves Heart Health
Research has found that the natural sugar contained in honey can reduce artery plaque by 30%. The honey sugar, called trehalose, includes a protein that activates your immune cells to remove the stored fatty plaque from your arteries.
The recommendation for a healthy person, without weight problems, and who does not base his diet on an excessive consumption of sugars would be to take a maximum of one small spoon of honey a day. This is approximately 10 to 12 grams of honey.
Avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under the age of 1 year. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.
Both honey and lemon work great for your blood pressure. They help in calming down your blood vessels. They also reduce the risk of heart attacks due to high blood pressure. Take a glass of warm milk and add some honey and lemon juice to it.
If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.
Moreover, acetylcholine present in Manuka honey lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation, choline has a protective effect on the liver and increases the secretion of bile.
3. May help to reduce blood pressure. A 2017 study found that those who consume ginger on a daily basis had a decreased risk of hypertension. While the study didn't look specifically at ginger tea, it may be useful to consume ginger tea if you have high blood pressure.
Honey has been linked to some impressive health benefits. Studies have found that it may help reduce risk factors for heart disease like blood pressure and cholesterol, improve wound healing and even treat coughs ( 21 , 22 , 23 ).
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.
Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Honey has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 6%, triglyceride levels by 11%, and potentially boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
In fact, a new study published on November 16, 2022, in the journal Nutrition Reviews found that eating honey in moderation may reduce inflammation and slash your cardiometabolic risk—factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes.
“Honey should be treated like all added sugars, something to include in your diet carefully and kept to a minimum,” Keating says. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) per day; women and children, no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) daily.
Honey boosts your metabolism, which is essential for weight loss. Honey is an excellent antioxidant, which means its regular consumption will cleanse your body of various toxins. In addition, its antibacterial properties will considerably improve the condition of your skin. Honey has no cholesterol at all.
Citrus, such as lemon and limes, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and has the added benefit of adding a little flavor to a boring glass of water.
Walk and exercise regularly
Additionally, some research suggests that doing more exercise than this reduces your blood pressure even further ( 4 ). Bottom line: Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure. Getting more exercise helps reduce it even further.
Lemon drink contains traces of several minerals that may be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Calcium and potassium both can lower blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension. A study suggests that lemon water can help bring the number to the normal range immediately.