It seems that doctors all over the world are too willing to prescribe drugs instead of suggesting natural methods to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). Most of these medications can have undesirable side effects, so it is advisable to look for natural methods.
A healthy diet containing high levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium has been shown to lower and help control high blood pressure. Just as important, a healthy diet should include essential fatty acids, but as little saturated fat, salt, and sugar as possible. Below is a short list of good foods for high blood pressure.
SPINACH Spinach is rich in magnesium and helps prevent heart disease. It also contains folate which protects the body from homocysteine, an excessive amount of which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Cook as little time as possible. Better yet, eat raw in salads.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS Sunflower seeds are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phytosterols that can help lower cholesterol. (High cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries and blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.)
BANANAS Bananas are rich in potassium and have a high fiber content. Try to eat at least two bananas per day.
SOME FATS ARE GOOD! Unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol and provide essential fatty acids that the body needs. Fish contains omega-3 which prevents heart disease. Try eating oily fish like trout, salmon, and mackerel. It will be much healthier for you if you grill, bake, or steam your fish. Do not add salt when cooking. Sardines are also a good option. Fresh fish is best, but if you must buy canned fish, check the label to make sure the salt content is low.
GARLIC Garlic helps thin the blood and stops blood vessels from clogging, which lowers blood pressure. Try to chew one or two cloves of garlic every day. If you don’t want to lose all your friends, you may prefer to take it in supplement form.
TOMATOES Tomatoes are rich in calcium and potassium, and contain vitamins A, C, and E. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that is reputed to reduce the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants found in tomatoes can prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and sticking to the walls of your blood vessels, which can raise your blood pressure. Drinking tomato juice is a great way to enjoy tomatoes. If you have a juicer, make it yourself. If you have to buy tomato juice, make sure it is a pure juice without added salt or sugar.
BROCCOLI Broccoli is packed with nutrition. Not only is it high in potassium, it contains chromium which helps regulate blood sugar and insulin. Don’t overcook it. Place it in a saucepan with just enough water to cover it, so it will retain more nutrients. Better yet, steamed. When I make broccoli, I always cut off a few florets and eat them raw. Try them, they are delicious!
ESPINO Hawthorn dilates the arteries and improves blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure. Use a mixture of leaves and flowers to make a tea. Put two teaspoons in a cup and add boiling water. Allow to infuse for about twenty minutes before straining. Drink two or three cups of the elixir per day.