Things to Eat to Help Lower High Blood Pressure

A typical, healthy blood pressure is approximately 120/80 or less. Having high blood pressure is a health danger that can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other health risks. Many people have lowered their blood pressure through diet and exercise with excellent results. There are several foods that have been associated with a decrease in blood pressure. Eating just the right amounts of poultry, fish, nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat, low-sodium foods is key to helping to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

Soybeans and Bananas

Soybeans and bananas contain a great deal of potassium. Elevated levels of potassium help to reduce sodium in your body. Having too much sodium can raise your blood pressure.

Sunflower Seeds, Beans and Spinach

These foods are magnesium and potassium rich. Magnesium and potassium are substances that successfully lower the blood pressure. Remember to pick the unsalted brand of sunflower seeds. Some bean choices that are effective are kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, white beans, navy beans and pinto beans.

Skim Milk

Skim milk gives us added calcium and essential vitamin D. Your blood pressure is lowered approximately 10 percent with these two healthy nutrients.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate lovers rejoice! This scrumptious treat is associated with a decreased blood pressure. You do not have to eat too much so be careful and enjoy it knowing that something really tasty can be good for you. A mere half-ounce or less is all that it takes to achieve a blood pressure benefit.

Celery

All vegetables are excellent choices for someone with high blood pressure due to their low-fat, low-sodium properties, but celery in particular is an amazing high blood pressure lowering food. Celery works on your body systems a little bit differently due to a special oil that it contains. This oil relaxes the muscles that help to maintain your blood pressure. Celery also works on your body in the same action that a diuretic would. This will help to diminish any retained sodium in your body, which is what causes your blood pressure to rise.

Fish

Certain types of fish, such as salmon, help to reduce your blood pressure. Fish, salmon in particular, contains a high level of Omega 3, which is a fatty acid. Omega 3 has been proven successful in lowering the blood pressure. You do have to be careful on your selection of fish, however, and avoid any fried fish. As well, fish has a high level of mercury, which is unhealthy for the body. You do need to limit your intake of fish to once a week only due to this.