High blood pressure, also known as hypertension is a typical risk cause of heart disease. More than one billion people around the world suffer from hypertension, with many people unaware of the condition, and do not seek treatment.
A high blood pressure can be defined as having a high systolic blood pressure that is 130 millimeters and above, or diastolic bloodpressure that is 80 millimeters or higher. The high blood pressure can be caused through a combination of pathophysiological, environmental, and genetic causes. 1
The use of medications, like ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, are usually the first line of treatment, as are lifestyle changes. Nutrition plays a significant role in preventing heart disease, and could have a major impact in preventing high blood pressure.
What Role Does Nutrition Play in Blood Pressure?
Nutrition plays a crucial function in preventing and regulating the effects of high blood pressure. Foods that are rich in nutrients may be beneficial to blood pressure. The most suggested eating regimen to prevent hypertension is to follow that of the DASH diet plan also known as Dietary Methods to Stop Hypertension. It is designed to help you control the high pressure in your blood, DASH focuses on limited red meat, sodium and added sugars, along with large quantities of fruits, vegetables whole grains as well as fish, beans and nuts, as well as dairy products.
In addition, foods that are rich in magnesium and potassium aid in controlling blood pressure. Both magnesium and potassium constitute the two most important minerals to good blood pressure control since they assist in making blood vessels relax after the heart contract.
7 Foods for Better Blood Pressure
There is a wide range of diverse nutrients that can help maintain the health of your heart as well as blood pressure. These include omega-3 fatty acids, fiber antioxidants, vitamin D and essential minerals like calcium and potassium as well as magnesium. If you’re prepared it is easy to fill your plate with nutritious and delicious foods that improve you blood pressure. Here are a few scientifically-based foods that will help you lower your blood pressure.
Salmon and Other Fatty Fish
Salmon and other fish that are fatty like mackerel and tuna sardines as well as striped bass, are abundant of omega-3 fats. an essential nutrient the body is unable to make. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation. Inflammation within the body can result in damage to the blood vessel lining and can cause stiffness in the arterial wall, which causes increased blood pressure over the course of time. According to a study to reap the maximum benefit from lower blood pressure, take 2 to 3 milligrams of omega-3 fats every day.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and other seeds like flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and pistachios, almonds, walnuts and more could be beneficial to blood pressure. Nuts and seeds are excellent source of fiber, as they are a potent source of amino acid arginine.
Arginine is essential to make the body’s nitric oxide and is that is essential for relaxation of blood vessels and diminishing blood pressure. The seeds and nuts are an excellent source of magnesium which assists blood vessel walls to relax and maintain the health of blood pressure.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as Swiss the chard, and also spinach rich in blood pressure-lowering nutrients. Both of these greens are loaded with magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, spinach is rich in nitrate, which could aid in lowering blood pressure. In a small study 27 participants consumed 17 ounces of spinach soup over seven days and noticed a decrease in diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
Beets
Beets are an incredible source of nutrients that are beneficial to heart health and blood pressure. The deep, red hue suggests that they’re high in antioxidants, phytonutrients in addition to anti-inflammatory benefits. Beets also contain the nitrates that aid in increasing blood flow and reduce blood pressure.
Nitrates aid in taking more oxygen, extending the time required to get tired. One study reviewed the benefits of beetroot juice in a diet and concluded that it was an efficient and economical method to lower blood pressure across different groups.
Berries
Berries are high in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins that give them their vivid color and help contribute to lower risk of heart disease. Anthocyanins are essential nutrients to lower blood pressure, as they raise the levels of nitric oxide in blood and reduce the production of molecules that hinder blood circulation.
In addition, a review study examined the effects from different kinds of berries and varieties, including whole berries, freeze-dried berries and juice. Results showed three millimeters decrease of blood pressure. Incredibly, the greatest influence on blood pressure systolic resulted from the juice of cranberries.
Tomatoes
The tomato, and tomato products, are rich in lycopene and potassium. Lycopene is a major carotenoid pigment that has been extensively researched for its positive effects on heart health as well as its the potential to reduce blood pressure by enhancing blood flow and reducing stiffness in the arteries. Also tomatoes are a great source of potassium, and play part of relaxing blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure.
Yogurt
Yogurt isn’t just loaded with protein, it’s also rich in minerals that regulate blood pressure, like calcium and potassium. One study review revealed that those who ate three portions of dairy products a day had a 3% lower risk of developing hypertension.
Another study revealed that those who ate a portion of yogurt every day had lower blood pressure levels in the systolic region. But, there was no changes observed in those who were in normal blood pressure.