The pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries is known as blood pressure. If this pressure increases, it is known as hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension leads to several other health problems such as stroke, kidney diseases, heart diseases, etc. In fact, doctors often call it the silent killer because it can go unnoticed by people for years but end up killing them anyway. There are several factors such as family history, age, race, gender, etc. that contribute to this condition. If you’re suffering from hypertension too, your doctor must’ve prescribed you some medications to help lower your blood pressure. But with the right amount of exercise and consuming the food items listed below, you can bid goodbye to this condition forever!
1. Berries:
Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can be a great addition to your diet if you want to manage your blood pressure levels. According to a study, berries are rife with flavonoids that help prevent hypertension. The best way to consume berries is to add them to your breakfast oats or granola. You can even eat frozen berries for dessert.
2. Oatmeal:
If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, your doctor must’ve advised you to consume a diet rich in fiber and low in sodium and fats. And what better way to start your mornings than with a bowl of oatmeal! All you’ve got to do is add half a cup of rolled oats, half a cup of skim milk, and your favorite choice of fruits for a sumptuous breakfast.
3. Bananas:
Health experts claim that consuming food items rich in potassium is a great way to lower your blood pressure. In fact, studies have proven that potassium-rich foods are better at controlling hypertension than most medications. Do you know which food item contains the largest amount of potassium? Banana. One banana a day will indubitably keep the doctor away!
4. Leafy Greens:
Another food item that is rife with potassium is leafy green vegetables. Basically, potassium-rich foods help in the expulsion of sodium through your urine, thereby helping in lowering your blood pressure. The best greens to add to your diet are swiss chard, collard greens, turnip greens, kale, arugula, romaine lettuce, spinach, beet greens, etc. Also, take care that you pick fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned ones. This is because canned goods have a high amount of sodium in them which is not good for your body.
5. Red Beets:
The best way to relieve high blood pressure is to naturally open up your blood vessels through the right diet and exercise. One chemical commonly seen in red beets that can help open your blood vessels is nitric oxide. In fact, according to research, beet juice can lower the blood pressure of patients within just 24 hours! You can consume it as a salad, as juice, or bake some chips out of it.
High blood pressure is a lifestyle disorder that the majority of the population is dealing with today. The main culprit behind this disorder is our fast-paced life due to which exercise takes a back seat. Moreover, us neglecting our diet, and consuming junk food adds to the problem. So, if you want to get your health back on track and beat this silent killer, add these food items to your grocery list and witness the results yourself!
