Photo: Skylar Kang

What berry juice lowers blood pressure?

healthline.com - 13 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure - Healthline

Is there a natural way to lower PSA levels?

While further testing is important, there are natural measures that can help lower PSA levels. Diet changes: A healthy diet that includes more...

Last updated May 6, 2022

Is prostate cancer urgent?

Prostate cancer is usually a disease that develops and grows over a number of years. Most people do not think of prostate cancer as an illness that...

Last updated Feb 1, 2020

Promotion

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 75 million Americans have high blood pressure. Many risk factors for high blood pressure are out of your control, such as age, family history, gender, and race. But there are also factors you can control, such as exercise and diet. A diet that can help control blood pressure is rich in potassium , magnesium , and fiber and lower in sodium . Hypertension , or high blood pressure, refers to the pressure of blood against your artery walls. Over time, high blood pressure can cause blood vessel damage that leads to heart disease , kidney disease , stroke , and other problems. Hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer because it produces no symptoms and can go unnoticed — and untreated — for years.

1. Leafy greens

Potassium helps your kidneys get rid of more sodium through your urine. This in turn lowers your blood pressure.

Leafy greens, which are high in potassium, include:

romaine lettuce

arugula

kale

turnip greens

collard greens

spinach

beet greens

Swiss chard

Canned vegetables often have added sodium. But frozen vegetables contain as many nutrients as fresh vegetables, and they’re easier to store. You can also blend these veggies with bananas and nut milk for a healthy, sweet green juice.

2. Berries

Berries, especially blueberries, are rich in natural compounds called flavonoids. One study found that consuming these compounds might prevent hypertension and help lower blood pressure. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are easy to add to your diet. You can put them on your cereal or granola in the morning, or keep frozen berries on hand for a quick and healthy dessert.

3. Red beets

Beets are high in nitric oxide, which can help open your blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that the nitrates in beetroot juice lowered research participants’ blood pressure within just 24 hours. You can juice your own beets or simply cook and eat the whole root. Beetroot is delicious when roasted or added to stir-fries and stews. You can also bake them into chips. Be careful when handling beets — the juice can stain your hands and clothes.

What is the most survivable cancer?

Cancer survival rates by cancer type The highest five-year survival estimates are seen in patients with testicular cancer (97%), melanoma of skin...

Last updated May 24, 2022

How can a man pee without splashing?

Pee splashback is caused by two main factors: height from the toilet/urinal bowl, and the “angle of attack.” By far the best way to reduce...

Last updated Mar 25, 2019

Promotion

4. Skim milk and yogurt

Skim milk is an excellent source of calcium and is low in fat. These are both important elements of a diet for lowering blood pressure. You can also opt for yogurt if you don’t like milk. According to the American Heart Association , women who ate five or more servings of yogurt a week experienced a 20 percent reduction in their risk for developing high blood pressure. Try incorporating granola, almond slivers, and fruits into your yogurt for extra heart-healthy benefits. When buying yogurt, be sure to check for added sugar. The lower the sugar quantity per serving, the better.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal fits the bill for a high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sodium way to lower your blood pressure. Eating oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to fuel up for the day. Overnight oats are a popular breakfast option. To make them, soak 1/2 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of nut milk in a jar. In the morning, stir and add berries, granola, and cinnamon to taste.

6. Bananas

Eating foods that are rich in potassium is better than taking supplements. Slice a banana into your cereal or oatmeal for a potassium-rich addition. You can also take one to go along with a boiled egg for a quick breakfast or snack.

7. Salmon, mackerel, and fish with omega-3s

Fish are a great source of lean protein. Fatty fish like mackerel and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower triglycerides. In addition to these fish sources, trout contains vitamin D. Foods rarely contain vitamin D, and this hormone-like vitamin has properties that can lower blood pressure. One benefit of preparing fish is that it’s easy to flavor and cook. To try it, place a fillet of salmon in parchment paper and season with herbs, lemon, and olive oil. Bake the fish in a preheated oven at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

8. Seeds

Unsalted seeds are high in potassium, magnesium, and other minerals known to reduce blood pressure. Enjoy ¼ cup of sunflower, pumpkin, or squash seeds as a snack between meals.

9. Garlic and herbs

Does chicken affect your prostate?

POULTRY AND PROSTATE CANCER This inverse association may be explained by a form of vitamin K2, menaquinone, present in dark poultry meat (not white...

Last updated Jun 15, 2018

How to eat pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw but taste especially delicious roasted. To roast them, toss them in olive oil or melted butter, plus salt, pepper,...

Last updated Mar 17, 2020

Promotion

One review notes that garlic can help reduce hypertension by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps promote vasodilation, or the widening of arteries, to reduce blood pressure. Incorporating flavorful herbs and spices into your daily diet can also help you cut back on your salt intake. Examples of herbs and spices you can add include basil, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, and more.

10. Dark chocolate

A 2015 study found that eating dark chocolate is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study suggests that up to 100 grams per day of dark chocolate may be associated with a lower risk of CVD. Dark chocolate contains more than 60 percent cocoa solids and has less sugar than regular chocolate. You can add dark chocolate to yogurt or eat it with fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, as a healthy dessert.

Find a great selection of dark chocolate on Amazon.com.

11. Pistachios

Pistachios are a healthy way to decrease blood pressure by reducing peripheral vascular resistance, or blood vessel tightening, and heart rate. One study found that a diet with one serving of pistachios a day helps reduce blood pressure. You can incorporate pistachios into your diet by adding them to crusts, pesto sauces, and salads, or by eating them plain as a snack.

12. Olive oil

Olive oil is an example of a healthy fat. It contains polyphenols, which are inflammation-fighting compounds that can help reduce blood pressure. Olive oil can help you meet your two to three daily servings of fat as part of the DASH diet (see below for more about this diet). It’s also a great alternative to canola oil, butter, or commercial salad dressing.

13. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a healthy fruit that you can enjoy raw or as a juice. One study concluded that drinking a cup of pomegranate juice once a day for four weeks helps lower blood pressure over the short term. Pomegranate juice is tasty with a healthy breakfast. Be sure to check the sugar content in store-bought juices, as the added sugars can negate the health benefits.

healthline.com - 13 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure - Healthline

What is your health age?

While your chronological age is determined by your birth date, your health age considers your chronological age in conjunction with factors such as...

Last updated May 3, 2018

Will I ever stop leaking after prostatectomy?

Chung usually begins treatment by addressing lifestyle factors and encourages patients to work with physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor...

Last updated Mar 13, 2022

Promotion

Can I drink milk with gout?

Should You Drink Milk If You Have Gout? If you have gout, you can still enjoy a nice, cold glass of milk. In fact, according to the Arthritis...

Last updated Oct 12, 2022

Promotion

What does a swollen prostate mean?

An enlarged prostate means the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. An enlarged prostate is...

Last updated Dec 7, 2021