Foods That Lower Blood Pressure
8 Top Foods that Lower Blood Pressure
Even when on medication for high blood pressure, certain measures can and should be taken in your life to help your condition; eating foods that lower blood pressure, for example. A healthier lifestyle leads to a healthier heart; a key component when trying to lower blood pressure.
Exchanging skim milk for whole milk in your diet does double duty when it comes to blood pressure. Skim milk is a food rich in calcium and Vitamin D, both of which work together as they decrease blood pressure by as much as 10%. Significantly lower in fat, as well, skim milk is one of the top foods that lower blood pressure as part of a healthy diet. Another advantage of skim milk is that it is a good source of potassium; a very beneficial feature for this disease.
Magnesium rich foods that lower blood pressure are plain sunflower seeds, spinach and dried beans such as kidney beans, navy beans and lima beans. Not only extremely high in magnesium, a key component for healthy blood pressure, these foods are also high in potassium and fiber. It is important to note that while magnesium is a key ingredient to a healthy diet; individuals taking supplements for magnesium show no significant benefits on lowering blood pressure.
Sodium is a blood pressure enemy, causing spikes when consumed in high quantities. One way to combat this is to decrease your sodium intake. Another way is to add to your diet any of several foods that lower blood pressure by increasing your body’s store of potassium. Baked potatoes, bananas and soybeans have high levels of potassium that help the body to get rid of sodium, as do the dried beans, spinach and sunflower seeds mentioned above. Doctors warn that potassium intake should only be limited as part of these foods and not in supplement form, as too much potassium can cause life threatening effects.
Chocolate: including on the list as one of the foods that lower blood pressure? Absolutely, says the Journal of American Medical Association. Dark chocolate is the only chocolate that possesses the ability to have an effect on blood pressure, however. Indulging in a mere ½ ounce each day shows positive effects on lowering high blood pressure without weight gain. The small amount prescribed equals only 30 calories, but proves to be satisfying to the palate while providing health benefits as well.
When diagnosed with a disease such as high blood pressure, every measure should be taken to control and improve your overall well being. Losing weight, quitting smoking and consuming a healthy diet consisting of foods that lower blood pressure are all steps to take to improve your condition. A healthy lifestyle will lead to a healthier you.