Managing hypertension just got a little easier
More than 100 million Americans — or nearly half of all adults — suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure contributes to a number of health problems including stroke, heart attack and heart disease, and the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age.
According to the National Institutes of Health, even people who do not have high blood pressure by 55 still face a 90% chance of developing it.
While there are prescription medications that can help manage hypertension, lifestyle choices also play a significant role. Exercising regularly, not smoking, limiting sodium intake and managing how stress affects your body are all essential.
Eating a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can also make a big difference, especially when you choose foods and drinks that are not only good for you, but that can also help lower your blood pressure.
Garlic
Garlic is a fan-favorite at many of the best Italian restaurants and your breath aside, it’s good for you. In addition to being a food that can help boost your immune system, it can also reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health and positively impact your arteries, which can benefit hypertension.
Coconut water
While drinking enough water remains the gold standard for wellness and hydration, some research suggests that coconut water may positively impact hypertension. A study published on the National Institutes of Health website found that in a small group of hypertensive subjects, coconut water, which is high in potassium, helped decrease systolic blood pressure.
Oatmeal
Helping to reduce oxidation and inflammation, whole grains are good for you, especially oatmeal, which is one of the best foods for weight loss. Because of oatmeal’s many health benefits, eating oatmeal instead of other breakfast cereals can help you feel full longer, and it can also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Dark chocolate
Chocolate from the best shops in America is one of the most irresistible treats. Better yet? It may be good for your blood pressure too. Dark chocolate, in particular, is high in flavonoids, which have been found to have antioxidant benefits. Those benefits, according to some research, include improving blood flow to the brain and helping to reduce blood pressure.
Source:TheDailyMeal.com
