Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), you may already be aware that exercise can be one of the best natural remedies for this condition. But what about the foods you eat? Are there really foods that lower your blood pressure?

According to The American Heart Association, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping alcohol consumption in moderation, eating a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt, and choosing foods that lower your blood pressure can be some of the greatest means of keeping your blood pressure under control without medication.

Some tips to remember when choosing foods that help lower blood pressure:

• Limit sodium (salt) intake. Sodium causes water retention in many adults and puts additional demand on your heart. People with high blood pressure should limit the sodium in their diet to 1,500 mg per day.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Limit or avoid meats such as bacon, hot dogs, bologna, ham, lunch meats and sausage.
• Limit or avoid frozen meals such as frozen dinners and pizza.
• Choose fresh vegetables over canned.

These types of foods have been shown to raise blood pressure, so eat them in moderation. So, what are the foods that lower blood pressure?

Foods To Lower Blood Pressure

Vegetables: asparagus, green beans, broccoli, carrots, etc.

Whole-grain foods: brown rice, whole wheat breads, whole grain cereals, etc.

Fat-free and low-fat dairy products: skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese, etc.

Beans: soybeans, chick peas, navy beans, split peas, kidney beans, lentils, etc.

Skinless poultry and lean meats: boneless skinless chicken breast, ground turkey, etc.

Fish: salmon, trout, herring, etc.

Make these foods to lower blood pressure staples in your diet and combine them with a regular exercise program. Stay healthy!