High blood pressure can cause serious health problems. It is not only a disease of older people, but can also affect a middle-aged or young person. It’s also known as the silent killer because it does its destructive work in the body – mostly in the blood vessels – without showing any symptoms. For a long time, it causes only banal symptoms such as headaches, so many people don’t even suspect they have a blood pressure problem.
You can avoid developing high blood pressure by eating a healthy diet. Some foods can be our mainstay to help us avoid this dreaded disease.
Sweet potatoes can help us do this because they are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, nutrients that can reduce high blood pressure by helping to relax the walls of blood vessels. It is also high in fibre, which can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Garlic increases the levels of nitric oxide in the body, which helps to dilate blood vessels and in the process can reduce high blood pressure.
Extra virgin olive oil has many health benefits. It is extremely rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which can help to stabilise blood pressure by improving the condition of blood vessels and increasing the elasticity of the blood vessel walls.
Berries are only low in calories and are packed with antioxidant polyphenols and fibre that support heart health.
Nuts and seeds are a rich source of fibre, protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. These foods also help regulate blood pressure.
Fruits and vegetables are also very rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which are essential in improving blood flow and reducing high blood pressure. Among vegetables, regular consumption of green leafy vegetables is recommended. Tomatoes should also be mentioned as they are rich in lycopene. Regular consumption of this bioactive substance has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.