High blood pressure is a serious condition that can have serious consequences. You can counteract this with the help of a healthy diet. Here you can find out which 5 foods lower blood pressure.
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That’s how harmful high blood pressure is
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a vascular system disease that causes the blood pressure values to be permanently elevated. In the long run, the disease can damage organs such as the heart, coronary arteries, and other blood vessels, the brain, or kidneys and thus have serious consequences. For example, high blood pressure can promote the development of various diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, dementia, or kidney failure.
These 5 foods lower blood pressure
Various causes play a role in high blood pressure. On the one hand, the disease can have genetic causes or be triggered by other diseases. Another risk factor is an unhealthy lifestyle – stress, smoking, obesity, alcohol, and an unhealthy, salty diet are among them. Lifestyle changes are usually required to treat patients with high blood pressure. This also includes a healthy and balanced diet. Some foods can help particularly well. These 5 foods can naturally lower blood pressure:
Beetroot
Beetroot is not only healthy and tasty – the tuber can also naturally lower blood pressure. This is due to the nitrate it contains, which is converted into nitrite by the saliva. Nitrite can expand the blood vessels and thus have a positive effect on blood pressure. However, how much and how often the beetroot should be eaten to lower blood pressure remains to be researched.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium and low in sodium. According to recent studies, increased potassium intake can lower blood pressure and even lower the risk of stroke. The same applies to a reduced sodium intake. Potassium is also important for the blood flow in the body and positively affects the body’s fluid balance.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, take note: Chocolate can help lower blood pressure. But beware! Because that doesn’t apply to every chocolate. Choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70 percent, as it contains phytochemicals such as phenols and flavonols, which protect the blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure. This does not apply to milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Salmon
Fatty fish with healthy omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon can positively affect our blood pressure. The omega-3 fatty acids are important for our heart function – they help widen blood vessels and make blood easier to flow. The Nutrition experts also recommend eating high-fat fish once or twice a week.
Garlic
Garlic is not only delicious but also healthy. On the one hand, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and, on the other hand, it strengthens the cardiovascular system. The secondary plant substances it contains can lower blood lipid levels and thus prevent heart diseases. The contained allicin, which is responsible for the strong smell of garlic, can also lower blood pressure.
