The #1 Herb for Healthy Blood Pressure, According to Experts
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDOregano is packed with antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and support heart health.
Fresh oregano offers more flavor and health benefits—sprinkle it on veggies, eggs or soups.
Oregano's plant compounds show promising blood pressure effects.Keeping your blood pressure in check is a top priority for millions of Americans. While medications may be necessary in some situations, there are things you can do at home—including in your kitchen—to help promote healthy blood pressure levels. And, surprise, including herbs like oregano in your regular diet may just be one of them!
We talked to two leading dietitians in the nutrition field, one integrative and functional dietitian and one dietitian and chef, to get the facts on how oregano can benefit blood pressure. Find out what the latest research says and how these dietitians recommend incorporating oregano into your routine to improve your blood pressure.
There are a lot of healthy herbs you can use in your recipes! In fact, we've rounded up 14 of the healthiest herbs and spices you should eat, and you guessed it, our No. 1 pick for healthy blood pressure tops that list, too.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is rich in powerful antioxidants that help support overall health. These compounds combat harmful free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage over time. Diets high in antioxidants, including those from herbs like oregano, have been linked to lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels.
While eating oregano leaves and oil in normal food preparation is likely safe, using supplements, oils or other forms with limited research may pose health risks. So be sure to limit the use of oregano to the leaves—dried and fresh—in recipes you make for the most science-backed benefits.
Melissa Azzaro, RDN, owner of The Hormone Dietitian, shares, 'Fresh herbs, including oregano, are one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, so a sprinkle of oregano may help contribute to your antioxidant intake.' According to Azzaro, 'Traditionally, oregano has been used to treat allergies, high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory infections. Although research in human subjects is limited, oregano contains many powerful plant compounds, like carvacrol, that have been shown to have potential health benefits in test tube and animal studies.'
'Using oregano in cooking is an easy way to boost antioxidant intake, even if we don't fully understand its benefits on health yet,' shares Azzaro. Plus, the versatility of oregano lends itself to various types of recipes.
According to New York City-based dietitian and chef Abbie Gellman, 'Oregano is often known for its use in Italian recipes such as pizza or marinara sauce. However, it is frequently used in Greek, Spanish and Mexican cooking. There are so many ways to use oregano!'
Here at EatingWell, we love using oregano in recipes like our Greek-Inspired Burgers with Herb-Feta Sauce and Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. But that's not all you can do with it. Gellman recommends experimenting with fresh oregano by adding it to your favorite no-recipe recipes, like:
Sautéed onions and mushrooms or your favorite vegetables
Omelets or frittatas
Homemade salad dressings
Chili and soups
But, before you toss a handful of freshly chopped oregano into your warm dish, Gellman suggests waiting until the end of the cooking process and adding to the finished dish. Generally speaking, Gellman shares, 'Fresh oregano will be a better choice than dried in both flavor and health benefits. However, if fresh is not available, then dried can be used.'
Blood pressure is the power with which blood flows from your heart through your arteries. This constant blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to keep it functioning at its prime. Medical professionals measure blood pressure to help identify how efficiently the force of blood is flowing through your body. Blood pressure that's too high is called hypertension.
Using an arm cuff, a health care provider can help to take your blood pressure reading. The first number in a blood pressure reading—the systolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating. The second number—the diastolic blood pressure—measures the pressure in your arteries between beats when your heart is at rest. When blood pressure is measured, the systolic number is recorded over the diastolic number in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Blood pressure levels are used to diagnose high blood pressure:
Normal Blood Pressure: <120/80 mmHg
Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129/<80 mmHg
Hypertensive (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mmHg
Hypertensive (Stage 2): >139/>90 mmHg
Nearly half of adults have hypertension. Having high blood pressure puts one at risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. It's important to be proactive and take measures with your health care team to support healthy blood pressure if you yourself have high blood pressure or have a family history of this condition.
Whether you have high blood pressure or not, adding herbs like oregano to your recipes is a great idea. Not only does oregano have a versatile flavor profile that works well in a variety of dishes, but it also packs plant compounds that have proven health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. While more research is needed on the blood pressure benefits of oregano in humans, preliminary data is promising. Consider adding fresh oregano to your grocery list and experimenting with it in your favorite recipes.
Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
33 minutes ago
- Forbes
Physician Perspectives On Prior Authorization Reform
Many physicians believe prior authorization gets in the way of sound patient care. New reforms from ... More the insurance industry aim to address these challenges. Will they make a difference? You learn a lot in medical school. About human biology, medical ethics and how to make a diagnosis. One thing they don't teach you about—but which rears its head all the time in the actual practice of medicine—is prior authorization. Prior authorization is what is known in healthcare as a utilization management tool. Physicians submit requests to insurers, who respond with determinations about whether they will cover the proposed procedures, services, or medications before the patient receives them. The goal is to steer customers toward modalities of care that have been demonstrated to produce the best outcomes at a reasonable cost. During office hours, between procedures, even in the middle of consults—prior authorization is something physicians have to deal with constantly. Last week, amid scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators as well as public outrage over the practice, health insurers working with the trade association AHIP (on whose board I sit as CEO of SCAN Health Plan, a not-for-profit health insurance company) announced a set of voluntary commitments aimed at simplifying prior authorization and 'connecting patients more quickly to the care they need while minimizing administrative burdens on providers.' The commitments include faster turnaround times, greater transparency, and reduced requirements for routinely approved services. These reforms are sensible and—let's be honest—probably overdue. But will they make a difference? 'Administrative Hurdles' Despite its daily impact on the practice of medicine, prior authorization isn't something physicians talk about very much. So, in order to gauge how prior authorization affects their work and their patients and what effect the voluntary reforms might have, I reached out to several colleagues in different specialties to hear their stories about prior authorization. What I heard were honest reflections on their experience with the practice—and an urgent call to reimagine a system that too often gets in the way of care. Jay Patel, an orthopedic surgeon in Orange County, CA, specializing in hip and knee replacements, describes a system that increasingly delays care for no clear reason by putting up 'administrative hurdles to surgeries that are appropriate.' Patel notes that some payers require that he submits imaging reports in separate documents that duplicate the information contained in previously submitted medical records. 'Most of the time there's some minor piece of information they need that's already in the record, and they reflexively approve it.' But not always. And when delays occur, he says, they disrupt care and diminish trust between patients and their doctors. 'Patients often don't understand how the process works,' he says. 'They usually think we dropped the ball because we're the person they can get ahold of.' Patel believes the system could be improved by reducing prior authorization requirements for physicians who consistently provide appropriate care. 'Good actors should be able to request surgery and have it approved.''Delays Matter' A Northern California interventional cardiologist I know sees firsthand how delays in care can lead to worse outcomes. 'For every test, you have to wait a week for authorization,' he says. 'And when it comes to cardiac conditions, delays matter.' He laments that the delays can push patients to seek emergency care when they experience shortness of breath or other symptoms. 'Put yourself in their shoes. When your heart hurts you may be afraid you will die.' He says that some of his patients have decided to go to the emergency room rather than wait for approvals. In these cases, the patients are admitted and treated as inpatients, which he notes is ultimately more expensive for the plan, the patient and the health system in general. The cardiologist also notes that in his field, denials are rare. Though he often has to pick up the phone to advocate for a patient, he says that in 11 years of practice, not once has a health plan denied a procedure that he's called about. Knowing this, he wonders if artificial intelligence or other technologies could offer ways to improve the system. 'There must be ways to optimize this. If they're authorizing the procedure 99% of the time, why can't there be instant authorization?' Internist Jonathan Dinh says insurers often use prior authorization as a 'delay tactic.' He says that in his experience, some payers intentionally make the practice burdensome, knowing that some percentage of physicians will become frustrated and give up on the time-consuming prior authorization process. 'If there's a poor clinical outcome, the health plan maintains plausible deniability. They'll say, 'We never said 'no.' We left the decision strictly up to our providers.'' As an internist and medical group leader in Southern California, Dinh believes that the efficiency of prior authorization reflects the quality of the organization itself. 'In a well-run group, 80% to 90% of requests should be auto approved,' he explains. "The primary function of prior authorization should be to ensure patients are referred to the correct in-network provider, helping them avoid unnecessary medical bills—not to act as a barrier to care." Dinh says delegated models in which payors assign certain administrative and clinical responsibilities—like utilization management, care coordination, and prior authorization decisions—to a provider organization or medical group can reduce the friction of prior authorization. However, he cautions that this model alone isn't enough. "Delegated entities can still improperly delay or deny care. There must be safeguards—such as expedited appeal processes—to protect patients.' Dinh also says that patients often mistakenly blame delays in seeing a specialist due to the prior authorization process when the real underlying issue is a shortage of physicians. "People often blame delays in seeing a specialist on the prior authorization process,' he says. 'But in many cases, referrals are issued promptly—the real bottleneck is a shortage of physicians. Specialists are overwhelmed and simply don't have the capacity to see patients quickly. Of course, any delay in prior authorization only makes the situation worse.' To address the broader issue of physician shortages, Dinh and his colleagues launched a new internal medicine residency program focusing on training more primary care internists. The initiative aims to expand access to care and improve outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. 'A well-trained internist can help offset the shortage of specialists by managing complex conditions at a high level. The true value of a primary care physician emerges when a patient's care requires coordination across multiple specialties. The ability to lead multidisciplinary care while keeping the patient and their family informed is what ultimately drives the best clinical outcomes and enhances patient satisfaction.' A Starting Point When a draft of AHIP's plan initially crossed my desk, I was skeptical. Voluntary reform isn't something that necessarily has a great track record in healthcare. And yet more than 50 plans (including my own) that provide coverage to tens of millions of Americans have signed on and made a public commitment to reform. After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there's no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association's proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start. After all, none of the physicians I spoke to are asking for a blank check. They're asking for a system that trusts their judgment, respects their time, and puts patients first. Reforming prior authorization isn't just about efficiency. It's about dignity—restoring it to the people who give care, and the people who need it—and AHIP's plan, acknowledging some of the challenges my physician colleagues face every day, is a meaningful step in the right direction.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Self-Absorbed People Often Use These 12 Phrases Without Realizing It, Psychologists Say
Self-Absorbed People Often Use These 12 Phrases Without Realizing It, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. "Self-absorbed" is a commonly hurled phrase on social media and in private conversations about people who always seem to redirect everything back to their thoughts, needs and feelings. While it's understandable—healthy even—to love and advocate for yourself, psychologists warn that self-absorbed people often alienate others."Being self-absorbed is not the same as confidence or self-awareness," stresses Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "Instead, it reflects an inward gaze that makes it difficult to empathize, listen or show interest in what someone else is going through."She explains that self-absorbed behaviors are often rooted in insecurity and fear, and can be difficult to recognize in yourself, saying, "It is hard to be self-aware about self-absorbed behavior because the mindset itself blocks the ability to reflect outward."However, understanding common phrases self-absorbed individuals use without realizing it can increase your awareness and help you become more inclusive. Here, psychologists share common phrases that self-absorbed people often say and offer advice on overcoming chronic "me-first" or "selfish" While this phrase has some merits, one psychologist points out some subtle but significant issues."There is nothing wrong with including part of this sentence as a response to a proposed plan, but to assume a group activity cannot happen just because you are not available is problematic unless it is an event in your honor," clarifies Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with telling colleagues that they absolutely cannot go to happy hour on Friday because you have a wedding to attend is People often use this phrase with good intentions."While it may seem like a way to relate, this shifts the focus away from the other person's emotions," shares a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "Clients I've worked with sometimes do this unintentionally when they are uncomfortable sitting with another person's pain. It's a way of making the moment more about them rather than offering support." One psychologist shares this phrase is a surefire way to rub people the wrong way, even if you're just kidding."It signals a lack of reciprocal attention," explains Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist. "Even when said playfully, it reveals a pattern of redirecting conversations toward their own stories."Related: This statement may be true, but it's worth considering whether you may have contributed to this treatment (especially if someone points out you say this all the time)."This is an example of self-absorption when one fails to acknowledge their contribution to a situation," Dr. Smith instance, she explains it's not cool to arrive 20 minutes late to something and get upset that a person can't meet with them anymore and needs to reschedule. Real talk: That could be part of the problem. "Rather than seeking understanding, this communicates judgment and a lack of curiosity about others' emotional landscapes," Dr. McGeehan reveals. "There isn't a clarifying question, empathy or curiosity, which are all things we would expect to see in a healthy back and forth. Rather, it's effectively shutting the conversation down."Related: This one is a classic phrase often uttered by self-absorbed types."It's a very common way to invalidate someone's experience and reroute them back to themselves," Dr. McGeehan says. "It implies that their interpretation is not valid and effectively steers the conversation in whatever direction they choose."Related: Different people bring distinct experiences and perspectives to the table, which is often positive. However, people who are self-absorbed may struggle to see things any way but their way."This phrase means that they have a very narrow view of the world," Dr. Hafeez says. "It also suggests that their own thoughts are the norm, and it is difficult to think that someone else's thoughts are equally valid."Related: Using honesty as an excuse to be mean can showcase a lack of empathy, a hallmark of self-absorbed tendencies. "Often used to justify blunt or inconsiderate remarks, this phrase frames insensitivity as a virtue," Dr. McGeehan says. "It prioritizes self-expression over relational impact. This is common with someone who is self-absorbed."Dr. Lira de la Rosa agrees."This is a phrase I hear a lot in therapy when someone says something hurtful," he says. "Honesty without compassion can mask self-centeredness. When we're truly aware of others, we take care to be both honest and kind." Dr. Hafeez says this phrase not only exudes "self-absorbed" vibes, but it's also just plain rude."Rather than being willing to hear what the other person feels, they focus on their own feelings, often cutting off deeper connection or understanding," she Sure about that one?"This statement assumes that others are constantly focused on them, which is a hallmark of self-absorbed thinking," Dr. Hafeez says. "It shows a limited ability to see others as independent of their own narrative."Dr. Lira de la Rosa adds that individuals who frequently use this phrase are often prone to defensiveness and tend to have inflated views of themselves. This one sounds cool. However, it can be rather cold when used in certain situations."This phrase often dismisses others' emotional needs or challenges, implying they are unimportant or excessive," Dr. McGeehan explains. "I usually hear this one when someone comes to a friend for support, and that friend is too self-absorbed to tolerate holding space for someone else."To add insult to injury?"This phrase dismisses this person's need while also adding a flavor of judgment by calling it drama," Dr. McGeehan warns. Dr. McGeehan says this phrase lacks empathy and centers on the self-absorbed person's way of thinking."It often minimizes the speaker's experience in favor of showcasing their perceived superiority or decisiveness," she Dr. Smith says this step is an internal one—no one needs to be aware of it. However, it can help you intentionally create more balance in interactions with caveat: "No one is asking you to stop considering yourself," she clarifies. "They'd just like for you to grow by considering them too."For instance, she says you may notice that you consider yourself at a 10:1 ratio—don't expect to reach a 50:50 ratio in an hour."Even the best of us are not always completely balanced, so that does not need to be the goal," Dr. Smith says. "Rather, just focus on increasing the number of times you actually pause to consider the person you're speaking with or interacting with."Related: Active listening isn't just about opening your ears but your mind as well."This means really focusing on what the other person is saying instead of thinking about what you want to say next," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "It builds empathy and reminds them that being present is more powerful than trying to solve or redirect." After listening with curiosity, you'll be better equipped to ask some questions that make a person feel seen and cared for."Asking thoughtful, non-performative questions keeps the focus on connection rather than control," Dr. McGeehan says. "It signals genuine interest and helps shift your attention away from being understood to understanding. This is often a soft skill that is underdeveloped for someone who is self-absorbed."Related: It's not easy to work on self-absorbed behavior, and it's OK to put it out there that you're trying."By being open and honest with your close friends—who you trust will not weaponize this against you—you are practicing the very thing that is underdeveloped for you: Vulnerability," Dr. McGeehan says. "This will bring it to the forefront of your consciousness while also allowing your friends to gently hold you accountable as well." Up Next:Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D, a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor Self-Absorbed People Often Use These 12 Phrases Without Realizing It, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jun 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
People Are Sharing The "Life Hacks" That Actually Worked For Them, And Some Of These Are Pretty Genius
Sometimes the littlest things can make your daily routine *so* much easier. Reddit user ActuallyInFamous recently asked, "What is a life hack that actually has worked for you?" Here are the most helpful responses everyone should try at least once: 1."Not looking at my clock, watch, phone, or anything when I'm going to bed. Even as much as I want to, when I can't fall asleep, I resist. Seeing what time it is and panicking about it helps no one. Works like a charm for my sleep." —u/spect3r 2."Be nice first — until they give you a reason not to be nice." —u/Rich_Associate_1525 3."If it's on your mind, handle it right away. Don't lie in bed thinking, 'Aw man, I should have done so and so or this and that.' This goes for the dishes, eating cake, and taking your dream vacation. If at all possible, try to have fewer 'what-ifs' in life." —u/Artistic-Fee-9938 4."Having a place for the important things and putting them there when I am through with them." —u/Legal-Ad8308 5."No more than two lights on per person. No lights on as long as the sun is up and out." —u/Straight_Physics_894 6."Folding matching sheets, duvet cover, and pillow cases inside a pillow case, after washing them. Then I don't have to hunt for all the bits of the matching sets when I change the bedding." —u/Relative_Dimensions 7."I keep a running Microsoft Word document for all work notes. Today's are on top. Super easy to refer back to. I start a new file about once a year." —u/celebrate6393 8."If you can do it in two minutes, do it now." —u/Own-Reflection-8182 9."The sugar craving is the same craving for water, somewhat. If you're having a sweet tooth, try a glass of water; odds are you are dehydrated." —u/OllieOllieOakTree 10."Before leaving a table at a restaurant, a hotel room, your plane seat, the backseat of an Uber, etc., take an extra moment to turn around and look at where you were. You'd be surprised at what you forgot to take with you." —u/Trixareforkidsok 11."Clean the kitchen and wash dishes while I'm cooking. It is frustrating trying to clean a dirty kitchen after you've eaten. You're full, tired, and don't want to do anything. It's better to clean as you cook." —u/GrandpubaAlmighty 12."Wearing a goofy grin on my face whenever I can. It turns out to be a great mood brightener. That being said, 'don't put it down, put it away' is absolutely brilliant." —u/StressCanBeGood 13."I fold the laundry as I take it out of the dryer. I'm more likely to put it away right away as opposed to living out of the basket of unfolded laundry." —u/YuhMothaWasAHamsta 14."No eating in my room. The dishes end up staying there until they're well past disgusting." —u/DazB1ane 15."I used to snooze a lot, and then I decided I would start getting up immediately after the clock goes off, not read my phone or anything, just get up. I get more sleep and I have more energy throughout the day." —u/Delicious-Click9254 16."Putting the sun visors down and against the windshield will actually help defog/defrost it faster." —u/Bitter-Researcher389 17."Getting the breakfast table ready the night before so I have a little more time in the morning, and just have to add the things that could spoil. I would do this right after dinner, and it always made me happy in the morning when I had to take my daughter to school and had a lot to do. I even had a tray with all the items that didn't need to be kept in the fridge, so I'd just have to take it out of the kitchen closet, plus the items from the fridge. The breakfast table was complete in 30 seconds every morning, which is a very relaxing way to start the day." —u/[deleted] 18."Quitting alcohol." —u/Better-Guava1923 19."Learn to sew by hand. You don't need to be that skilled. Sew on the loose button, mend the torn seam, and patch it up generally. A younger friend of mine took her coat to a dry cleaners and they said, 'Do you want us to tighten the buttons for you?' She said yes. I think she thought it was a courtesy thing, and it was £3 per button. There were eight buttons, six on the coat and two on the cuffs. I told her next time I would do the buttons for her." —u/Fabulous-Wolf-4401 20."If you have to do something unpleasant, do it properly so that you only have to do it once." —u/Blaskowitzs 21."Make your bed in the morning. That way, even if you do nothing all day, you will have accomplished something." —u/Theo-Wookshire What's your best life hack? Share yours in the comments!
