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Four foods that lower blood pressure

GEHA | August 20, 2018

Nutrition and exercise Heart health Blood pressure
For these foods to make an impact by lowering blood pressure, consistency is key.

Searching for new superfoods to add to your recipes? Foods listed below have been proven to lower blood pressure. For these foods to make an impact, consistency is key.

Beets

This vegetable can be blended in your next smoothie or roasted in your oven. Beets are known for their nitrite contents. When nitrite is ingested, it opens your blood vessels, which then lowers your blood pressure.

Yogurt

The unique blend of probiotics and proteins found in yogurt can lower your blood pressure. Although there are a variety of yogurts available, look for low sugar or plain options to ensure you’re getting all the nutritional benefits. By eating about six ounces of yogurt a day, you can start seeing results. 

Antioxidants 

Your body is exposed to free radicals through pollutants, medicine and the food you eat. Free radicals might lead to cancer and blood-vessel diseases. By eating foods rich with antioxidants, those free radicals do less damage. That helps keep your cells healthy and lower your blood pressure. Foods rich with antioxidants include dark chocolate, tomatoes, various fruits and red wine. 

Fish

For your next summer recipe, try incorporating salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout or sardines. All of these fish have omega-3 fats, which are known to decrease inflammation. This can help open up your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.


Sources:
“Antioxidants - Topic Overview.” WebMD, WebMD. 
Kadey, Matthew. “Easy Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure.” WebMD, WebMD.