It's got to be the pectin, as I've done nothing else different in my dietary or physical routines. I can't believe how good my knees feel!
Answer: : Pectin comes from the cell walls of plants and is especially abundant in apples, blackberries, plums and oranges. It is used to help thicken jams and jellies. This soluble fiber also has been shown to lower cholesterol levels (Current Atherosclerosis Reports, December 2008).
Liquid pectin such as Certo may be added to grape or pomegranate juice to ease joint pain.
Question: : You have discussed ways to control blood pressure, but not the one I use. I have found that eating celery and using celery seeds on my food reduces my blood pressure in minutes.
Answer: : Celery and celery seeds have been used for many different problems, including gout, sore joints, headache and loss of appetite. No scientific studies show whether others would get the same blood-pressure-lowering benefit you do.
There is strong scientific evidence for the DASH diet, which is rich in vegetables and fruits and low in salt, fats, sweets and meat. Following such a diet can reduce blood pressure over time.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: PeoplesPharmacy.com.
