It is the mantra of most physicians and nutritionists that there is no one food or magic pill that will get the body healthy. Instead, a lifestyle of proper diet and moderate exercise is the prescriptive solution to fix what ails you, be it high blood pressure or any of the myriad of maladies that can plague a body. However, studies have indeed shown that some foods do work well in conjunction with lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure.
Low Salt
The number one remedy in lowering blood pressure isn't what one adds to his diet, but rather what is eliminated. Choosing low-salt foods is the first step on the road to healthier eating. By reading labels for low sodium content, opting for fresh instead of processed foods and using herbs and non-salt spices in cooking, you can greatly reduce your overall salt intake and lower your blood pressure.
Add Potassium
Bananas are a great and easy source of potassium. However, there are many other potassium sources to offer a varied and interesting diet. Apples, apricots, avocados, cantaloupes, figs, kiwi and strawberries are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including potassium. If you want something a little more exotic, try the Sicilian blood red orange, also known as the Sanguinello. Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, corn, broccoli, potatoes, spinach and squash also contain potassium. Additionally, meats, poultry and fish have varied amounts of potassium.
Juices
An easy way to add powerful antioxidants and blood pressure-lowering ingredients to a diet is to toss the goodness of nature into a juicer and turn it into an easy-to-consume drink. Tomatoes and tomato juices have also been linked to lower blood pressure and can be consumed fresh, as juice or as a tomato sauce. Other fruit and vegetable juices also help to lower blood pressure when consumed in moderation and as part of a varied diet.
Olive Oil
If there is one magic ingredient to lowered blood pressure, some believe it is linked to the commonality in what is known as the Mediterranean diet: olive oil. Studies support the overall health benefit of extra virgin olive oil in the diet. Extra virgin olive oil can be added to the diet through cooking or as a simple drizzle onto salads and breads.
A Little Red Wine
Associated with healthful and active longevity, a glass of red wine a day is also common in the Mediterranean region where men and women live well and have lower blood pressure than their American counterparts.
Dessert
While watching overall calorie consumption is a key part of lowering blood pressure, that doesn't mean one has to forgo dessert. Dark chocolate has actually been linked to lowered cholesterol and blood pressure.
Tags: blood pressure, blood pressure, lower blood, lower blood pressure, been linked, lowering blood
