Foods that Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

High blood pressure or hypertension is a very common condition, seen even in youths nowadays. The high force of the blood against the artery walls can lead to heart diseases which is why lowering blood pressure is very necessary. One obviously has to take proper medications from a doctor, but along with that, you can take efforts to lower blood pressure on your own also. Diet is one such way. People suffering from hypertension are aware that certain foods like red meat can increase blood pressure, but they do not know that there are foods that lower blood pressure quickly. There are many foods that contain certain minerals like potassium that are said to lower blood pressure naturally. These are the foods that you should have in plenty, but you should also be aware of the foods to avoid with high blood pressure. Some foods that are included in the list of foods that lower blood pressure naturally, are also included in the foods that can increase blood pressure. Wondering how? Well, it depends on the quantity. A little of some foodstuffs can decrease your blood pressure, but consuming them in greater quantities can increase it. The following write up will provide many such foods, and how much of them you should consume.

Foods that Lower Blood Pressure

Skimmed Milk: Skimmed milk is one foodstuff that has to come in the low blood pressure diet menu. Skimmed milk contains vitamin D and calcium, both these minerals can help to reduce blood pressure. Now one may argue that the same minerals can be found in many other dairy products. No doubt you will find them in normal milk and other dairy products, but along with these minerals, you will also find a lot of cholesterol and fat! As you must be aware, fat and cholesterol are the enemies of low blood pressure, which is why one cannot include milk and sweets in the diet. But skimmed milk is very low in fat, which is why you can consume it without the fear of calories.

Vitamin C: According to a research conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, vitamin C can help to lower blood pressure naturally. So do remember to include a lot of fruits and veggies that are rich in calcium. Some of the topmost names are, grapefruit, oranges, raisins, bananas, blackberries, firm tofu, kale, collard greens, and these are some of the common foods to lower blood pressure. You can consume big amounts of these fruits and vegetables as they do not have any side effects.

Dark Chocolate: Now who will have a problem with adding this yummy treat that too for a cause! But wait, now that you know that dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, you shouldn't go on hogging it! Only half and ounce of dark chocolate should be consumed. More amounts of it can increase blood pressure instead of decreasing it. But eating only a piece that contains about 30 calories, will definitely help in lowering high blood pressure, this fact has been medically proved. Chocolate is said to relax the blood vessels thus allowing more blood to flow. Eating only a small amount of dark chocolate will also have no negative effects on your body.

Chicken: Chicken legs, with skin removed are good for lowering blood pressure. Chicken contains protein and is also rich in collagen. Collagen helps to reduce the production of angiotensin II, which is a stimulant of blood pressure. However avoid eating fried or over-decorated chicken. Do not add extra salt, as far as possible, eat boiled or baked chicken. Turkey without skin can also be eaten, but do not add excessive salt or oil to it.

Other Foods: Other foods, that lower blood pressure are; oats, tofu, garlic, cucumbers, apples, almonds, avocados, figs, spinach, baked potatoes, plain rice, extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish, etc. Do include all these foods to your daily diet, in fact you can make a menu plan with the help of these foods.

Make a point to add all the above mentioned foods to your daily diet to lower high blood pressure. And all these foods that naturally lower blood pressure are tasty, so that shouldn't be a problem! Along with including these foods, also exclude the foods that increase blood pressure.