Fruits that Lower Blood Pressure

Fruits that Lower Blood Pressure

Fruits have many essential nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. A daily serving of four to five different fruits is recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to maintain a healthy diet. Fruits are so versatile in taste and flavor, that they can be easily consumed in forms of salads, soups, juices, or even eaten in its natural raw state. Let's take a look at some fruits that help lower blood pressure.

Prunes: Prunes are sweet to taste, and have a sticky, chewy texture. A quarter cupful of prunes contains 316.6 mg of potassium and only 1.7 mg of sodium. Potassium is essential to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function as well as prevent atherosclerosis (clotting of blood in the blood vessels), whereas a low level of sodium can help lower high blood pressure.

Melons: Melons are a rich source of potassium and magnesium, which aid in lower blood pressure. The carotenoids present in the melon, prevent the hardening and narrowing of the walls of arteries and veins, thereby reducing the chances of constricted flow of blood through them. Both, watermelon and muskmelon are fruits that help lower blood pressure.

Banana: In early 1999, BBC News Health reported medical findings that bananas, which are potassium-rich and low on sodium, could play a role in controlling blood pressure. They also mentioned that two bananas a day can help control high blood pressure. One, medium banana usually has 1 mg of sodium and 422 mg potassium, making it one of the most potent fruits against high blood pressure.

Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, phytonutrients and bioflavonoids. The phytonutrients and bioflavonoids are anti-inflammatory in nature, and prevent blood clot in the blood vessels. The bioflavonoids, found in the white pith of these fruits, not only help in lowering high blood pressure, but also help control cholesterol. Grapefruit, lemon, lime, oranges, tangerine, etc., all belong to the citrus family.

Fruits vegetables that lower blood pressure...

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