Blood Pressure Lowering Foods You Can Try Now

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High blood pressure can be scary. It was for me. But amidst the fear, I knew that a lifestyle change was imperative. So, I took up exercise (really just long walks every evening). Then, I added some blood pressure lowering foods.

Why Blood Pressure Lowering Foods are Important

Now, high blood pressure is a serious and widespread problem for people around the world. Recent studies show that it is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, killing around 7.5 million people worldwide every year. There is no doubt that this is a real problem. Yet, it is one that can be solved by a lifestyle change.

Interestingly, when I spoke with my doctor, one of the recommendations he made was blood pressure lowering foods. The fact is, among lifestyle changes, diet can play a hefty role in attaining a healthier, higher quality of life.

Without a doubt, blood pressure lowering foods are beneficial because they don’t have the side effects common with the use of medication.

For example, the DASH diet utilizes calcium, magnesium and potassium-rich foods to combat high blood pressure. The following article will discuss a few of the foods you can add to your diet that may lower your blood pressure.

The DASH diet is based on research and highly recommended for reducing blood pressure. It contains a lot of these blood pressure lowering foods. The DASH Diet Action Plan provides practical tips, recipes, and practical shopping lists. Find out more about it here.

Oatmeal

So, most of us already love this blood pressure lowering food. Oatmeal has been a staple food for thousands of years. An ingredient in classic foods including granola and porridge, it is filling, low in sodium, and extremely high in fiber.

Furthermore, this complex carbohydrate encourages a slower digestive process, which is better for the body. Studies show that the beta-glucans found in oat kernels lower cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Today people in several cultures use it as a breakfast food.

Bananas

Okay, bananas are not just yummy, they also have high potassium content. There are different ways to enjoy bananas. You can cut it up, blend it into a smoothie, or simply peel it and eat it. Your body absorbs the potassium more effectively when it is in foods. Of course, supplements help, but they are not as efficient as food. So, try adding banana to healthy desserts and snacks.

Related: 5 easy banana smoothies you’ll love

Fish Oil

As always, health through food is about balance. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are seriously important for heart and arterial health. Western diets typically contain heavy doses of omega-6 fatty acids which destabilize the delicate balance between the two types. These are found in fish, or you can simply take a supplement.

Green Tea

For years, green tea has been famous for its amazing health benefits around the world. It contains a wide array of antioxidants and polyphenols. The polyphenols in green tea have been found to increase blood flow and improve blood pressure. Studies have proven that drinking just a few cups a day can widen arteries by almost 40 percent, and tea drinkers have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, so you might want to try a cup of green tea today!

In conclusion, I can tell you that changing my diet is changing my life. Eating right does not have to be complicated. These blood pressure lowering foods are all easy to get, which means you can start making changes now.