b'L-TheanineAn amino acid thats abundant in green tea, L-theanine has been shown in clinical studies to enhance relaxation and lower blood pressure, especially during periods of stress. The impact of chronic stress on blood pressure has been widely documented. One study of people who usually experienced higher blood pressure after stressful mental tasks found that L-theanine helped prevent this increase.But even though L-theanine seems to be effective for moderating stress-related jumps in blood pressure, researchers arent sure how the compound works. One theory is that this amino acid increases levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming properties. L-theanine could also raise the levels of serotonin, a natural mood regulator, in the brain. Animal studies have shown that L-theanine also reduces levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which may lead to reduced blood pressure.Fish OilFish oil has a long history of improving cardiovascular health, largely due to the omega-3 fatty acids it provides. Research shows that consuming a daily dose of fish oil boasting therapeutic amounts of the omega 3s docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) effectively lowers blood pressure in a dose-dependent fashion. A study of 312 people with hypertension that appeared in the Journal of Nutrition found that fish oil supplements were especially effective for one group of people with isolated systolic hypertensionthe predominant type of hypertension in older adults. During the study, the UK researchers divided the participants into two groups, one taking supplemental fish oil each day and the other taking a placebo. After eight weeks, those in the fish oil group experienced an average 5 mmHg drop in their systolic blood pressure. This in turn was estimated to reduce their overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty cold-water fish such as anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines. But, while DHA and EPA can be obtained through diet, most people dont eat nearly enough fatty fish to get significant amounts. This makes supplementation essential, especially for those who have been diagnosed with hypertension.HawthornHawthorn is well known for its cardiovascular benefits. Like aged garlic extract, hawthorn is a potent natural source of antioxidants. A randomized, controlled trial at the University of Reading in England examined the effect of hawthorn on hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Individuals were given either a hawthorn extract or a placebo. The hawthorn group showed greater reductions in diastolic blood pressure than the placebo group did. Furthermore, no herb-drug interaction was reported.How does hawthorn accomplish these reductions? In a 2020 review of four clinical trials, Australian researchers found that hawthorn reduces inflammation, relaxes blood vessels, and acts like an ACE inhibitor. They concluded that supplementation for at least 12 weeks could result in meaningful reductions in blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. 10BLO OD PRESSURE HEALTH'