Foods that help you control high blood pressure

High-blood pressure or hypertension is an epidemic that has been troubling our society for long now. The hectic lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are major contributors. Strokes, kidney, and heart diseases are caused by high-blood pressure due to vessel damage. One of the worst things about hypertension is that it doesn’t manifest its symptoms and can cause problems suddenly.

However, the good news is that with simple inclusions in your routine like exercise and healthy diet, you can keep your BP in check. Here are a few foods that help control high blood pressure:

Banana:  Apart from its obvious fiber-rich qualities, Banana is rich in potassium and low in sodium which translates into controlled blood pressure. They are available easily all year round and quite portable. If the bananas have turned soft and their skin went brown, you can simply make smoothies out of them. On the other hand, banana milkshakes and banana halves sautéed in frozen yogurt are quite yummy.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is the perfect food for a whole grain, lot fat, and high fiber diet and this diet is perfect to control your blood pressure. Low in sodium content, it can be prepared hot and eaten with fruit. You can eat it with baked foods as well. It reduces the systolic and diastolic pressure. If you don’t already know, whole bread and oatmeal are quite a popular breakfast option.

Watermelon:  What could be better than a bowl full of watermelon during summers? It contains essential amino acids that have been proven to reduce blood pressure. Teeming with lycopene, Vitamin A, fiber and potassium, watermelon is your heart’s best friend. Integrate it into your diet and forget about high blood pressure.

Fish: Fish like salmon and mackerel are one of the greatest sources of lean protein. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides and blood pressure. Trout and other fish are a great source of Vitamin D as well which lowers blood pressure as well. Fish is quite easy to cook and add flavor.

Sunflower seeds: A handful of sunflower seeds are perfect for your heart’s health and blood pressure. They are rich in fiber, folic acid, Vitamin E and protein. Buy unsalted seeds to keep a check on your sodium intake. They make a great snack and are a great source of magnesium as well.

Apart from these, oranges, beetroot, celery, carrots, avocados and low carb bread help in keeping the blood pressure in check. Institute a few into your diet and you won’t have to bother with malfunctioning heart or kidneys.