Although all vegetables are beneficial, these are especially effective at shielding your heart from high blood pressure and its negative symptoms....CONTINUE READING
All of the organs in your body receive blood from your heart through the arteries. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pressing against the walls of the arteries, and it can even change throughout the course of one day.
It naturally rises before you wake up for instance, as well as when you work out. But persistently high blood pressure can harm the heart and lead to health issues such as heart disease and stroke because it can be brought on by things like being overweight or obese, consuming too much sodium, smoking, and even family history.
Only one in four adults in the United States has their blood pressure under control, as per data from the CDC.
With that being said, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, lean meats, and legumes, is regarded as the healthiest diet for high blood pressure.
Dietician Sheri Berger, claims that while the DASH diet is low in sodium as well as saturated fat, it’s high in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and calcium.
The diet can dramatically decrease blood pressure for adults with or without hypertension, according to one research.
The blood pressure-lowering effects of potassium make it the most well-known of these minerals. Sarah Pflugradt, a registered dietician, says that “Potassium works in a couple of different ways: It helps your body flush out excess sodium and relaxes your blood vessels’ walls, which allows more blood flow.”
Here are the greatest veggies for lowering blood pressure and what you need to know about them! Each is packed with essential nutrients that, when consumed often, can help keep your numbers under control.
Potatoes
Berger says that “Potatoes are bursting with potassium. They have even more of this mineral than a banana.” Pflugradt also said that “This vegetable is on the top of my list because one medium-sized baked potato has about 600 milligrams of potassium.”
Berger stressed that even though potassium is found in all types of potatoes, “some studies have shown that the bright hue of purple potatoes may give them an advantage of promoting decreased artery stiffness, which helps reduce blood pressure.”
Potatoes also demonstrate that decreasing your blood pressure can be tasty. Not only that but they are also affordable, adaptable, and straightforward to prepare.
They provide the ideal filling or ingredient for a nutritious potato salad. Additionally, everyone enjoys baked wedge fries or handmade mashed potatoes.
Beets
Vandana Sheth, the author of My Indian Table and another registered dietician, explained that “Beets and beet greens are a good source of nitrates, which help relax blood vessels and may improve blood pressure.
A 2018 study showed that beetroot juice can lower blood pressure for some healthy individuals and people with elevated blood pressure, due to its high concentration of nitrate.”
Other nutrients that have been related to lowering blood pressure include potassium, fiber, folate, manganese, vitamin C, and iron, which are all abundant in beets.
They may be roasted in an air fryer, included in a grain salad, blended into hummus, or added to a winter salad. The beets’ green tops can also be eaten, despite being a little bitter. To reduce food waste, try incorporating them into pestos or dips.
Tomatoes
Sheth says that “Tomato and tomato products are rich in potassium and lycopene, two nutrients which may improve blood pressure and overall heart health.”
The antioxidant lycopene gives these fruits their red color. There is no specific amount of lycopene that should be consumed every day, but tomatoes are one of the finest sources because cooked tomato products have even more lycopene than raw tomatoes do.
Berger also mentioned that “A 2021 review found the lycopene in tomato extract to significantly lower blood pressure in healthy people and those with elevated blood pressure.”
Although tomatoes are most recognized for their prominent roles in soups, spaghetti, sauce, and pizza, they also go incredibly well with savory tarts and foods that are high in protein.
Of course, having fresh summer tomatoes on hand is fantastic for munching. Simply wash, slice, and add a little salt and olive oil on top for a great flavor boost.
Green Leafy Vegetables
The leafy greens kale, spinach, cabbage, collards, and others are high in dietary nitrates, which dilate blood vessels, enhancing blood flow.
“Some research says that eating at least one cup of leafy greens per day can help to reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Berger states.
Leafy greens may be included in practically every cuisine because there are so many different types.
With leafy greens, the options are unlimited, whether you want a spinach salad, cooked collard greens, collard green wraps, or kale chips.
All things considered, blood pressure is a crucial component of heart health. The heart disease risk and stroke can be reduced by maintaining healthy levels.
The nutrients contributing to healthy blood pressure and support the health and strength of your heart are increased when you include these vegetables so it’s safe to say that making sure to include them in your everyday diet is a great place to start if you are determined to properly protect one of the most important organs…CONTINUE READING>>
