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Your diet
plays a big role in whether you have high or normal blood pressure.
Dietary recommendations for lowering blood pressure, such as the DASH
(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, include reducing your
intake of fat, sodium, and alcohol.
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Pomegranate - The pomegranate is having a moment, and it’s not hard to
see why: it’s fun to eat, healthy for you, and an easy way to lower your
blood pressure in an instant. The antioxidant-rich pomegranate can help
improve your circulation and the transport of oxygen through the
bloodstream, helping you beat high blood pressure and satisfy your sweet
tooth. Just don’t rely on pomegranate juice to have the same effect;
many of the brands you find in stores are loaded with added sugar. !
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Dates - Give yourself a boost of energy
while lowering your blood sugar by snacking on some dates. Loaded with
fiber and blood-pressure lowering magnesium and potassium, dates are an
easy way to improve your blood pressure without dulling down your diet.
In fact, high-potassium, low-sodium foods, like dates, are a
widely-recommended component of a diet to fight hypertension.
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Oatmeal - Enjoy a bowl of delicious oatmeal for breakfast and get better
blood pressure as an added bonus. Oatmeal is one of the most
highly-recommended foods for hypertensive patients, thanks to its
excellent fiber and protein content. Try adding some low-glycemic fruit,
like blueberries or blackberries, to your bowl.
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Collard Greens - Dark leafy greens and healthy blood pressure go
hand-in-hand. Adding some antioxidant-rich collard greens to your menu
can help lower your blood pressure naturally, thanks to their unique
mixture of vitamin C, potassium, and iron, all of which have been shown
to have a high blood pressure-fighting effect.
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Dark Chocolate - Need a prescription for lower blood pressure? An ounce
of dark chocolate, stat! Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can
encourage blood vessel dilation, thus lowering your blood pressure.
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Beets - Boost your beet intake and lower your blood pressure in a hurry.
In addition to their fiber, vitamin, and mineral contents, beets are a
great source of resveratrol, a blood pressure-lowering, belly
fat-fighting phenol found in red fruits and veggies, and quercetin, a
flavonoids that research published in the Journal of the American Heart
Association deems an effective means at lowering blood pressure and the
risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Apples - An apple a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. Packed with
fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, apples are just what the doctor
ordered if you’re dealing with high blood pressure or hypertension.
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Carrots - Carrots are more than just good for your eyes — they’re pretty
great for your blood pressure, too. The vitamin C and magnesium content
in carrots can help lower your risk of hypertension and stroke while
improving your kidney and liver health, as well.
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Popcorn -
Your favorite movie treat just got even more appealing. Popcorn contains
a unique mix of blood pressure-lowering components, including dietary
fiber, mono- and polyunsaturated fats, and magnesium. Just make sure
you’re opting for the air-popped variety and go easy on the salt, or you
could actually do harm to your health.
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Green Peas - Adding peas to your diet might just be the easiest way to
lower your blood pressure and improve your health. The protein and fiber
in green peas will help keep you full, making it less likely you’ll grab
an unhealthy snack afterward, while the magnesium, iron, and ample
portion of antioxidants you’ll get in each serving can help reduce blood
vessel constriction. |