Food can be an enemy, but an ally too when it comes to blood pressure. If you are dealing with high blood pressure, I am sure you avoid salty foods and miss having crispy French fries, soups and meat sandwiches.
However, there are other delicious and satisfying foods that are proved to decrease blood pressure.
1. Tomatoes
Lycopene, which is highly present ingredient in tomatoes, reduces blood pressure. Also, you do not have to eat tomatoes plain, but they can be added in cooking. An Australian research showed that 25mg of lycopene can lower the bad cholesterol by 10%.
2.Watermelon
This fruit includes L-citrulline, which regulates blood flow and blood pressure. The researchers found that natural sources of the amino acid can prevent pre-hypertension from developing into full-blown hypertension.
3. Dark chocolate
Here is one delicious treat that includes antioxidants and improves your mood. A study, in which participated older adults with hypertension pr pre-hypertension showed that after 18 weeks of consuming small amounts of dark chocolate daily participants had reduced their hypertension by 20%.
4. Egg whites
Egg whites lower the blood pressure, but they also are rich in protein. A study has shown that egg whites are as good in lowering the blood pressure as a low dose of a prescription drug.
5. Hibiscus tea
If changing your eating habits is difficult for you, then try to change your drinking habits. Instead of having coffee, have a cup of this herbal tea. Doctors advise that even small reductions in blood pressure decrease the risk of serious heart conditions. Drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks can lower your systolic blood pressure for 7 points.
6. Raisins
Although raisins are mainly used in cookies, bagels or as a desert garnish, they can be very helpful in lowering the blood pressure. Snacking raisins throughout the day can save you if you are on the verge of a high blood pressure. People who ate raisins three times daily for 12 weeks had significantly lowered their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
7. Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, which lowers blood pressure. This mineral is also known to balance the effects of salt on the body and helps the proper function of the kidneys. A study has shown that consuming two bananas daily help lowering the blood pressure by 10%. Potatoes, dates and avocados are other foods that have high potassium content.
Here is one blueberry-banana smoothie recipe:
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup of plain nonfat yogurt
- 1 cup of packed baby spinach
Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix till the solution becomes smooth.
Source: http://www.myilifestyle.com/
