Foods That Lower Blood Pressure
Foods that lower blood pressure can be very effective in the beginning stages of hypertension and also when eaten in conjunction with medication. In the past salt was blamed for high blood pressure and people were advised to lower their salt intake or even give it up completely. New research has shown that it may not be the salt but the chloride in the salt that does the harm. Informed doctors today are more likely to ask that you only reduce your salt intake to some extent.
Foods High in Potassium Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that people with high blood pressure can lower it by increasing high potassium foods in their diet. It should be noted that people with heart disease or kidney disease should consult their physician before increasing their potassium intake.
Foods that lower blood pressure and are high in potassium are:
Celery and High Blood PressureCelery is like a miracle cure for some people with high blood pressure and for others it can greatly reduce the amount of medication needed. Celery contains natural salt but it also contains potassium and they are in correct balance. This is why it acts as a natural diruetic. Also celery contains phthalide which dilates blood vessels which is what some prescribed high blood pressure medications do.
All parts of the celery plant can be used. Most people will just eat the stalks - about four a day will do it. Diced stalks can be added to casseroles, stews, soups, and salads. The root is also beneficial and can be used in salads and soups. A celery tea can be made with the leaves. The seasoning, celery salt, is 90% sodium chloride and not recommended.
Dark Chocolate - High Blood PressureRecent studies have shown that eating cocoa can lower blood pressure. The problem with chocolate is that it can also increase weight if too much is eaten because it is most commonly used in candy and desserts. The solution is to eat a small amount of dark chocolate each day. A study in Germany showed that eating a small amount of dark chocolate about the size of a Hershey's Kiss was enough to significantly lower blood pressure. It didn't take it back down to normal but it was lowered. If you plan to do this be sure to buy a high quality chocolate that is 70% or higher chocolate. It's expensive but you will only be eating a little bit every day.
Foods That Lower Blood Pressure |
Potassium plays an important role along with salt. People who have a high salt intake and low potassium intake are more likely to have high blood pressure than those who consume large amounts of salt but also eat foods with a high potassium level.