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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...

Fruits That Lower Blood Pressure...

Fruits That Lower Blood Pressure...

Eating fruits can help to control your blood pressure and may even prevent you from getting high blood pressure in the first place.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute NHLBI recommends you control your blood pressure by regulating your intake of four minerals:
The High Blood Pressure Report

1. Limit your intake of sodium (i.e. salt).
2. Maximise your intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium.



Many fruits have high contents of potassium but some of the better ones are:
  • avocados,
  • bananas,
  • figs and
  • dates.

Between four and five servings a day of fruit coupled with a similar number of servings of vegetable have been shown to produce a marked reduction in blood pressure levels.

Vegetables That Lower Blood Pressure..

Vegetables That Lower Blood Pressure...

Vegetables in the context of high blood pressure it really is true, vegetables are good for you so perhaps it's time you took that piece of parental wisdom to heart.

As with fruit vegetables high in potassium, magnesium and calcium are what you need to be eating to lower your blood pressure.

Beans are king of the castle when it comes to potassium and closely behind is potatoes, squash and spinach. Don't boil them to death when you cook them. Steam them and you will retain all the goodness.