Every half a second, someone in the States dies of cardiovascular disease. The largest risk factor in these deaths is high blood pressure, which is both preventable and reversible. According to Federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 67 million Americans adults live with high blood pressure and 47% of those have not gotten their blood pressure under control. And many of those afflicted don’t adhere to recommended medication regimens because of the drugs’ side effects.
Consuming natural foods, along with cutting out salt, will have you eating well and avoiding heart disease
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure your doctor will advise you to change your eating habits. To help lower high blood pressure a diet of rich in nutrients and low in sodium foods has shown remarkable results. Try following hypertension friendly foods and start in anticipating them into your meals. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you.
Bananas
They are rich in potassium and low in sodium which is helpful in lowering down your blood pressure. Lack of potassium has an impact on muscles and heart rate. Add slices of bananas to cereal or your favorite fruit salad. Or you can have a banana milk shake with a scoop of frozen yogurt.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is beneficial for blood vessels. Polyphenols, which a major class of bioactive phytochemicals, protects against heart and muscular diseases. These are found in high concentration in dark chocolates as well as in vegetables. To meet your chocolate carving and to lower blood pressure, you have go with real things. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder has highest concentration of flavonoids of any chocolate product. Cocoa power is found low in sugar, fat and calories as compared to solid chocolate bars.
Avocado
Another food that is rich in potassium, the avocado. It is contains about 975 mg of minerals. Rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and monosaturated fat. Serve it as a dip with low-salt bagel or pita chips, or as an accompaniment to quesadillas or tacos.
Fish
It is a great source of lean protein and is rich in vitamin D, which has the ability to help lower blood pressure. A fresh fish fillet needs only minimal preparation. You can keep it a low in sodium food by brushing a little olive oil on it; sprinkle it with black pepper and baking or grilling it for a few minutes. It is easy and flavorful food.
White potatoes
Idaho potatoes have a bad reputation, but if prepared properly it is a good source of potassium which helps lower your blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in fiber, low in sodium and cholesterol free.