Food-one of the essential components of survival. However, most of the time, you don’t just eat because you need to; you eat because it is pleasurable to do so. Everybody loves to eat. Of course, unless you have an eating disorder, then eating would be and activity that you dread. The same unfortunate fate goes with those who have hypertension. But this misfortune can be turned into a pleasurable experience by simply knowing the foods to lower blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Explained

It is estimated that more than 65 million people have high blood pressure and 45 million people have pre-hypertension. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. If it goes too low, you may feel lightheadedness. If your blood pressure goes too high, symptoms may not be present, or a stroke could be triggered.

If it remains high for a long period of time, it can lead to kidney failure, congestive heart failure, stroke, hardening of the arteries, and other complications. Due its fatal effects, high blood pressure can limit your food intake. You have to be conscious of the food you eat, because having high cholesterol levels can also worsen hypertension.

The Silver Lining

However, all hope to enjoy food is not lost, even if you have high blood pressure. National Institutes of Health has revealed that medication as well as certain healthy foods can lower blood pressure.

Using the dietary approach to lower blood pressure shows quick results. People using this type of regimen are said to see feedback in just fourteen days. Of course, to get optimal results, you should add exercise, weight loss and other healthy lifestyle alternatives to the dietary regimen.

Dark Chocolate

Hurrah for dark chocolate! Surprising as it may seem, dark chocolates can actually lower your blood pressure. An intake of 30 calories per day, which is less than half an ounce of this treat, was linked to lowering blood pressure. The extra bonus here is that, there were no weight gain changes in the process! Now, don’t you just love dark chocolate?

Banana, Baked White Potato, Soybeans

These three can provide ample amount of potassium. Levels sodium of and potassium in your blood are inversely linked. If you have low levels of potassium, your body would retain sodium, the catch is that too much sodium results to a raise in blood pressure. If your potassium level is high, your body will get rid of sodium.

That’s why eating potassium-rich food is very important for you to maintain a healthy balance of minerals in your body and, also for keeping blood pressure low.

Spinach, Beans And Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

These three are loaded with magnesium, which is a key ingredient in maintaining and lowering your blood pressure level. They also have lots of potassium, which would keep sodium levels low. However, there are only certain types of beans that have this effect, these include: white, black, navy, pinto, Lima, and kidney beans.

Garlic

Eating garlic, can cause a dilation of blood vessel muscles, which can help in lowering blood pressure. It is not only beneficial for hyper tension, but it also lowers the risk of gastro intestinal tract cancer.

Add A Sprinkle of Anything Healthy

Basically, food that are high in fiber, rich in minerals, and has low saturated fat can help lower your blood pressure. A lot of these are found in vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods.

Despite the fact that these kind of foods can lower your blood pressure, it would still be the best to take supplements that helps lower blood pressure. Now that you know what type of food to eat, you can now go get yourself a meal that is not only pleasing and scrumptious, but also healthy!