10 High Blood Pressure Diet Foods
Having high blood pressure can be very unhealthy. It can lead to a range of problems with the heart and a variety of other potentially dangerous complications. If you do have high blood pressure, then you really should do what you can to get it down to healthy levels. This can be done in a number of ways including medication, exercise and healthy eating.
Changing your diet can make a big difference to your blood pressure. Some foods will help by not adding to the problem, while others will help bring it down more directly. The types of foods that will help bring down your blood pressure are varied, which will help you have an interesting balanced diet.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #1: Oatmeal
Look on any healthy living diet menu and it won’t be long before you spot some oatmeal. It is particularly great in the mornings where it makes a convenient method of giving an energy boost before heading off to work. It offers excellent nutrition and is ideal for people that are trying to keep their blood pressure down.
Oatmeal is low in fat and high in fibre and helps to reduce obesity, which can lead to high blood pressure. What’s more is that oatmeal is low in sodium which is a significant contributor to high blood pressure. As well as being ideal for breakfast, it is also good for snacks during the day and can be used as an ingredient in a range of dishes.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #2: Salmon
It is well known that fish is healthy for us, depending on how it is cooked. There are also numerous types of fish and one that is often recommended in a healthy menu is salmon. Salmon is a good source of high-quality proteins and omega 3 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids also provide a range of other health benefits.
Salmon is not the only healthy fish, though. Tuna offers various health benefits. And trout is a good source of vitamin D, which can also help to reduce blood pressure. Perhaps the best benefit of all, though, is that fish is simply delicious.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #3: Leafy Greens
Any nutritionist will tell you that any diet should contain plenty of leafy greens. These are packed full of vitamins and minerals that are essential to our well-being. They contain compounds that promote overall health and combat illness. They are very good at helping to keep your blood pressure low.
Leafy greens are also low in sodium and contain potassium. Potassium helps you to expel more sodium in your waste which will help to keep your blood pressure down. While they may not be enjoyed by everybody, we should all try to get some leafy greens in our diets.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #4: Garlic
Garlic is able to make even the dullest of dishes come to life. It is also easy to use and just adding some crushed garlic can turn a bland meal into a gastronomical delight. Its benefits don’t stop there, though, as it can also be used to help keep your blood pressure down.
Studies have shown that eating garlic helps to reduce blood pressure by increasing the volume of nitric oxide. This helps make the arteries wider which, in turn, helps to reduce your blood pressure. Using garlic and herbs will also make a healthier alternative to seasonings such as salt, which contribute to high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #5: Bananas
Bananas are one of nature’s godsends to people that are always in a hurry. Eaten as they are, they make a quick and convenient snack that requires no preparation. They are also full of vitamins and minerals and are popular among people that want to eat a healthy diet. They can help reduce blood pressure.
Bananas are also a very good source of potassium and potassium will help to reduce the amount of sodium in your body. This will in turn help to reduce your blood pressure. Bananas are also delicious and make an excellent source of energy that will help give you a much-needed boost.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #6: Pistachios
Nuts are another food that is popular in healthy living circles. They are packed in vitamins, minerals and contain lots of healthy fats. Nuts also offer various health benefits and pistachios, in particular, are known for being able to keep the blood pressure down. They do this by helping to regulate heart rate and tightening blood vessels.
Pistachios are also very tasty. They can be eaten as they are for a convenient snack or can be used as an ingredient in a range of dishes. Try and avoid salted pistachios to make the most of the health benefits they offer.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #7: Beetroot
Beetroot, also known as red beets, is a root vegetable that offers a range of health benefits. Low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals, they make a healthy and delicious addition to many meals. They are also suitable for people that are on a high blood pressure diet.
Studies have shown that beetroot has been able to reduce blood pressure in people in just 24 hours. This could be due to the presence of nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels. Red beets are also a very flexible food that can be cooked in various ways and added to many different types of dishes.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #8: Olive Oil
Originating in the Mediterranean, olive oil has been used by mankind in cooking for thousands of years. It makes a healthier alternative to other types of oil that are used for frying, while also adding flavor. It can also be used in salads and to add flavor to a wide range of dishes.
Olive oil is also known to offer a wide range of health benefits, including reducing blood pressure. The oil contains polyphenols, which help keep blood pressure down in addition to fighting inflammation. It is also thought to be able to prevent strokes, heart disease, diabetes and even has anti-cancer properties.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #9: Skimmed Milk
If you enjoy milk on your cornflakes in the morning, try using skimmed milk. It can also be used in your tea, coffee and in cooking. Unlike other types of milk, skimmed milk is low in fat, which can help in keeping your blood pressure down. It is also an excellent source of calcium as well as other vitamins and minerals.
Another suitable dairy option is yoghurt. Studies have shown that eating yoghurt regularly can reduce the chances of getting high blood pressure by about 20%. You can even add fruit and other ingredients to yoghurt to make it even more delicious.
High Blood Pressure Diet Food #10: Dark Chocolate
It is unfortunate that many of the foods we like to eat most are also those that are unhealthy for us. This means we need to limit treats to help keep us in good shape and some people need to keep them out of their diets altogether. Fortunately, though, there are still some treats that people on a high blood pressure diet can still enjoy.
Dark chocolate is many peoples’ favorite treat and it can help keep blood pressure down. It contains various compounds that help promote good health and contain fewer of the ‘bad’ ingredients that other chocolates contain. It should be eaten in moderation, but a little every now and then can actually be beneficial to our health.
