Keeping your blood pressure levels normal can decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness, and other conditions. Did you know that there are certain foods you can eat to help lower your blood pressure? Some foods, like nuts, are good for lowering blood pressure when eaten in moderation. Other foods, like fast food, are known to elevate blood pressure because of the high levels of sodium in them. This article will tell you about delicious foods that can help lower blood pressure, so read on!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes may actually be one of the most beneficial food items you can buy at your local grocery store. Whether they’re red or orange in color, tomatoes contain lycopene, a nutrient known for raising healthy HDL cholesterol levels while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The best way to use tomatoes is to roast them, which brings out their natural sweetness. Some experts even suggest eating tomatoes to help prevent breast cancer! Tomatoes also have high water content so they work to keep excess sodium out of your system, which helps lower blood pressure.
Garlic
Did you know that garlic has been used for centuries as a medication and food ingredient? It is believed to help lower blood pressure, inflammation, and LDL cholesterol levels by preventing the oxidation of other compounds in the body. This keeps the blood flowing throughout your arteries and veins so they do not become blocked or stiff. Garlic can also help prevent damage caused by free radicals present in our modern-day environment, reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer. The best way to get all of these benefits is to eat fresh garlic cloves, but if you cannot stand the smell, try taking supplements instead.
Berries
Berries are delicious fruits that contain antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage to your blood vessels. This can keep your arteries from becoming damaged or blocked, reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Eating berries also helps lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation in the body caused by high cholesterol levels. The best way to get the most benefits out of these wonderful treats is to eat them raw, but you can try incorporating them into muffin mixes or other recipes!
Ginger
If you have a hard time tolerating certain medications, ginger might be for you. Ginger contains shogaols that help lower blood pressure by opening up airways, allowing more oxygen to circulate throughout your veins and respiratory system. This is important because having enough oxygenated blood flowing through your body allows it to function at its most efficient level. It also helps release enzymes known as prostaglandins, which are great for protecting cardiovascular health and helping vessels contract & expand properly. Try adding fresh, chopped ginger root to sauces, salads, soups, or rice dishes!
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, and lemons contain high levels of vitamin C, a nutrient that has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Citrus fruits also contain flavonoids, reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or heart attack. The best way to consume citrus fruit is by eating it raw after removing its white rind. But if you’re too busy to peel and cut your own fruit, try drinking juice boxes containing 100% real citrus juice so you can still get all of the nutrients contained in these tasty treats!
Oatmeal
Numerous studies have shown that eating oatmeal can help lower systolic blood pressure levels by 1-2 points while also maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber or beta-glucan, that aids in digestion and helps regulate glucose/blood sugar levels. This fiber also helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride concentrations which can influence how much blood is flowing into your heart’s main pumping chamber. Oatmeal is great alone or you can add it to recipes such as cookies, banana bread, soup, crusts for pies, and more!
Seeds
Seeds such as flax, hemp, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds are all great for lowering your blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids found in these seeds can help lower lipid levels, meaning less cholesterol is present in the system. They also contain alpha-lipoic acid, which helps reduce oxidative stress on cells throughout the body while also protecting arterial walls from harmful stimuli that cause hypertension. If you’re looking to use seeds as a dietary ingredient, try sprinkling them onto salads or yogurt & using them as a cereal topping!
Green Tea
This delicious tea contains beneficial catechins that help protect arteries from oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body. Studies show that green tea drinkers have a 22% reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Those who drink at least three cups per day experience an 18% reduction in developing coronary heart disease. Green tea also lowers blood pressure by enhancing the production of nitric oxide gas in the body that is responsible for regulating blood flow.
Broccoli
If you’re looking for something that tastes great and has the added benefit of lowering blood pressure, then try broccoli. Broccoli contains potassium, a nutrient that helps lower high blood pressure levels by directing excess sodium out of your system. This vegetable also contains calcium which can help strengthen your bones and muscles while improving nerve function. Try adding broccoli to snacks like trail mix or salads! Or you could make it into soup or chop it up to use as an appetizer or side dish.
Carrots
Carrots are perfect for helping lower blood pressure because they contain beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps produce nitric oxide, a gas responsible for regulating blood flow in the body. This nutrient also protects your cardiovascular system against stress caused by high cholesterol levels, age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, or high sodium intake. Carrots are great when eaten raw, but if you don’t have time to peel, try adding them to soups or stews!
Conclusion
Many delicious foods can help lower blood pressure, so always remember to add these healthy ingredients to your daily diet! Foods like citrus, green tea, oatmeal, seeds, broccoli, and carrots all contain nutrients that keep your cardiovascular system running smoothly without causing any harmful side effects. It’s essential to lower your blood pressure as it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other conditions that may be fatal. So next time you’re hungry, try making a healthy meal with ingredients that help lower blood pressure!
