Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is an unusual condition which has
nearly no symptoms. The only way to get diagnosed is to get your blood pressure
checked frequently.
Here are 5 natural foods to help you control high blood pressure.
1. Bananas
Portable and easy-to-peel, these fruits are not just sweet and low in sodium; they’re
also source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. They’re also great to
add to lunchboxes and grab as a snack between meals.
You can add it to your cereal, cake, bread, smoothies and milkshakes to get more
into your diet.
2. Spinach
Low in calories, high in fibre, and packed with nutrients such as potassium, folate,
magnesium – which are all key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood
pressure levels, these leafy greens are a delight. Half a cup of
cooked spinach affords about 12% of an adult’s recommended daily calcium intake.
You can add these to your diet by adding spinach leaves to your salads or
sandwiches.
3. Avocados
The oleic acid that can be found in avocados can decrease high blood pressure and
cholesterol levels. Avocados also have potassium and folate, which are both
indispensable for heart health. It is rich in vitamins A, K, B & E and is loaded with
fibre.
You can add more avocados to your diet by using avocado oil or butter instead of the
traditional options, enjoying guacamole with other meals, or even just as a snack.
4. Watermelon
Watermelons contain an amino acid called L-citrulline, which has been proven to
lower blood pressure. Watermelon is a heart health promoting food that is loaded
with fibre, lycopenes, potassium and vitamin A. All of these nutrients have blood
pressure-lowering effects.
5. Beetroot
This red root veggie is rich in nitrates, which is used to relax blood vessels and
improve blood flow throughout your body. Additionally, beets are full of antioxidants
and folate (B9) which promotes good blood flow and prevents damage to blood
vessels. Drinking a glass of beet juice can cause a five-point drop in blood pressure.
The effect might be even larger over the long-term if you are consuming it daily.
Yes, beetroot juice lowers systolic blood pressure in only a few hours.
Add more beetroot to your diet by adding it to salads and drinking beetroot juice.
If you are in search of a nutritional counselling session to aid you in getting the diet
that is the best for your body and health, contact Michelle Mina Nutrition today
