High blood pressure is a serious and widespread problem for people around the world. It is often recommended that among lifestyle changes, diet can play a hefty role in attaining a healthier, higher quality of life. An advantage of using diet to modify blood pressure, is that foods typically do not have the side effects such as those common with the use of medication. For example, the DASH diet utilizes calcium, magnesium and potassium rich foods to combat high blood pressure. The following article will discuss a few of the foods you can add to your diet that may lower your blood pressure.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been a staple food for thousands of years. As a main ingredient in classic foods including granola and porridge, it is filling, low in sodium, and extremely high in fiber. This complex carbohydrate encourages a slower digestive process, which is better for the body. Many studies have shown that the beta-glucans found in oat kernels are known to lower cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Today people in several cultures use it as a breakfast food.
Bananas
Bananas are well known for their high potassium content. It can be used in a variety of ways to suit your needs and tastes. You can cut it up, blend it into a smoothie, or simply peel it and eat it. Potassium is absorbed by the body much more efficiently through ingestion of foods than through supplements, so try adding banana to healthy desserts and snacks.
Fish Oil
As always, health through food is about balance. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are seriously important for heart and arterial health. Western diets typically contain heavy doses of omega-6 fatty acids which destabilize the delicate balance between the two types. These are found in fish, or you can simply take a supplement.
Green Tea
Green tea has become famous for it's amazing health benefits around the world. It contains a wide array of antioxidants and polyphenols. The polyphenols in green tea have been found to increase blood flow and improve blood pressure. Studies have proven that drinking just a few cups a day can widen arteries by almost 40 percent, and tea drinkers have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, so you might want to try a cup of green tea today!