10 Heart-Healthy Foods That Naturally Lower Blood Pressure
Strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. (And out of all the berries, blueberries contain the largest amount of anthocyanins!) Research shows that anthocyanins may help with blood flow and blood pressure regulation.
A study out of the University of South Australia found that a daily dose of yogurt may be associated with lower blood pressure—even in small amounts!
Leafy greens are packed with nitrates, which studies show help lower blood pressure.
The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish per week. The reason?
Bananas contain heart-healthy potassium, an electrolyte that counterbalances sodium. Since high sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure, potassium is a great way to counteract this.
Get this: A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating whole grains, such as whole-grain wheat and oats, is as effective as taking medication for high blood pressure.
According to the American Heart Association, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a high percentage of monounsaturated fat, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol and increases "good" HDL cholesterol and has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Beets are another food that is high in nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure.
Sweet potatoes contain potassium and magnesium, which are an essential part of any healthy diet aimed at lowering blood pressure.
The American Heart Association shared a study that shows that eating three kiwifruit daily can significantly lower blood pressure.