Foods Good for High Blood Pressure

In the present scenario, high blood pressure or hypertension is one the major health problems that concern us. According to statistics approximately one out of every three adults has blood pressure higher than the normal recommended levels. As per medical science, the normal blood pressure is supposed to be 120/80 mm/Hg. And a blood pressure reading above 140/90 mm/Hg for an extended period is considered high blood pressure. With several health risk and complications, hypertension is the main leading cause for heart attacks and stroke.

Though hypertension is incurable in maximum cases, it can be managed with healthy lifestyle and medication. After being diagnosed with hypertension, one should follow the doctor's advice in terms of a high blood pressure diet plan and correct exercises to keep the blood pressure under control. Thus, while dealing with hypertension, it is very important to have a fair knowledge of the foods good for high blood pressure and food items that should be avoided.

Good Foods for High Blood Pressure Patients

As one of the main reasons responsible for causing high blood pressure is diet, it is imperative to follow a healthy diet plan for lowering blood pressure naturally. Following is a list of high blood pressure foods to eat, which can be included in the regular diet plan of a hypertension patient:

Fruits: When somebody mentions high blood pressure diet, the first and foremost tip is to incorporate adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Healthy fruits for hypertension individuals are apricot, apple, banana, passion fruit, strawberries, orange and kiwi fruit.

Vegetables: As mentioned already, an individual diagnosed with hypertension should have ample amounts of vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, tomato, potato and carrot. They contain a high percentage of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help in maintaining the blood pressure within the recommended range.

Pulses: Pulses are rich sources of dietary proteins, which in turn are crucial for all people, including patients of high blood pressure. But, it is to be borne in mind that pulses also contain carbohydrates in high amounts. Hence, an obese individual having high blood pressure should take pulses under strict guidance.

Whole Grains: Whole grains are natural sources for complex carbohydrates, thus making them ideal food items for high blood pressure patients. Foods based on whole grains such as hearty bread, pita bread, oats and barley products should be included in the diet plan.

Dairy Products: According to recent studies regarding high blood pressure treatment, calcium is shown to have positive results in reducing blood pressure. Considering this, low fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, yogurt and fat-free cheese are healthy food items for hypertension patients.

Certain Fish: Fish, either fresh or frozen can be consumed frequently by hypertension patients. However, processed fish may contain salt, which is strictly not recommended for hypertension patients. Hence, make sure to refer to the label of the packaged or canned fish for any salt treatments prior to including it in the regular diet.

Lean Meat: Healthy high blood pressure foods also contain moderate amounts of lean meat, either red meat or white meat. One can also include skinless poultry recipes in the diet plan, so as to lower the blood pressure. During preparation of the poultry and meat dishes, they should be grilled or baked, instead of deep frying.

While coming to the point; high blood pressure foods to avoid, low salt intake and foods with negligible fats are the key factors for reducing blood pressure. Thus, restricted foods for maintaining blood pressure are buttermilk, processed foods containing salt, cheese, refined sugar and packaged foods. Overall, high blood pressure foods should contain low fats, moderate proteins, complex carbohydrates and high amounts of fiber. Medical experts are also of the opinion that potassium and calcium are effective for lowering blood pressure.

Along with the consumption of foods good for high blood pressure and avoiding certain food items, one should get his/her blood pressure monitored on a regular basis. By doing so, the individual will have a fair idea whether his/her blood pressure is under control or not. The thumb rule is to strictly abide by the directions mentioned by the physician for combating high blood pressure.