The Star Early Edition

4 foods to have to lower blood pressure

- LUTHO PASIYA lutho.pasiya@inl.co.za

HIGH blood pressure, also referred to as hypertensi­on, has been dubbed the “silent killer” because there are usually no warning signs or symptoms.

Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day; however, if it remains high for extended periods of time, it can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Research has shown certain kinds of foods can help lower blood pressure, right away as well as in the long run. Let’s look at some of the good foods that help reduce high blood pressure.

Milk

There is a common myth that people with cardiovasc­ular problems and hypertensi­on should consume a lesser amount of milk and milk products.

In fact, milk helps in maintainin­g your heart health and also manages your blood pressure because of its calcium and magnesium content which are responsibl­e for proper heart contractio­n and relaxation respective­ly. Choose low-fat milk instead of full fat.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate that is rich in cocoa, helps people to get their blood pressure level reduced and hence also assists them in getting rid of hypertensi­on.

Beetroot

A glass of beetroot juice or consuming beetroot in a salad is also found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure.

Beetroot is rich in nitrogenou­s compounds which regulate smooth blood flow through the vessels.

Tomatoes

Not only are tomatoes filled with lycopene, a powerful antioxidan­t, but they also offer an excess of other health benefits.

Several studies have shown tomatoes to have a blood pressure-lowering capabiliti­es, sometimes reducing or even eliminatin­g the need for prescripti­on medication­s.

 ?? ?? Not only are tomatoes filled with lycopene, a powerful antioxidan­t, but they also offer an excess of other health benefits. Picture: Pexels
Not only are tomatoes filled with lycopene, a powerful antioxidan­t, but they also offer an excess of other health benefits. Picture: Pexels

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