Smoothy Slim
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch Pexels Logo Photo: Polina Tankilevitch

Is oatmeal good for high blood pressure?

Oats are rich in soluble fiber and have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure when added to a healthy diet. There's nothing fancy about it; a serving of good old-fashioned oats is enough to drop blood pressure 12 points after just a few weeks.

How do you sleep lighter?
How do you sleep lighter?

Tips to sleep less Give yourself time to wind down. The goal here is to train your body to fall asleep when you're tired. ... Turn off your...

Read More »
How long does it take to completely cleanse your colon?
How long does it take to completely cleanse your colon?

It can take 12 to 16 hours for the bowels to clear completely in preparation for a colonoscopy. Eating a low-residue, soft diet for a day or more...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, and high blood pressure is one of the villains that put your heart health at risk. If you want to keep your ticker ticking, shaping up your diet is a good place to start. Called the silent killer because symptoms are often absent, high blood pressure responds well to diet and lifestyle changes. Take control of your health today with these hypertension-fighting foods.

Bananas

You’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But you might not know that a banana a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. This fruit is packed full of potassium -- an important blood pressure-lowering mineral. Potassium helps balance sodium in the body. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium your body gets rid of. Start your day off with a heart-healthy banana by adding it to a nutritious breakfast, such as whole-grain cereal or low-fat yogurt.

Fatty Fish

Omega-3 fats are heralded for heart-health benefits, and for good reason. They lower levels of bad fat in the blood and fight high blood pressure. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are the richest source of omega-3s in the diet, but you can also get them from seeds like chia and flax. For maximum benefits, swap out red meat for fish -- if you’re like most Americans, you’re eating too much of it.

Oats

There’s a reason you see a heart symbol on that canister of oats you picked up at the grocery store. Oats are rich in soluble fiber and have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure when added to a healthy diet. There’s nothing fancy about it; a serving of good old-fashioned oats is enough to drop blood pressure 12 points after just a few weeks.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, swiss chard, kale, collards, take your pick. These leafy greens pack a punch when it comes to keeping blood pressure in check. Leafy green vegetables are extremely nutrient-rich, and their health benefits extend beyond blood pressure management. Diets high in leafy greens are linked to a lower risk of all chronic diseases. To give your diet a boost, swap out plain old romaine lettuce for kale or spinach and add more leafy greens to your main meals.

Beans

Like oats, beans are packed with soluble fiber and offer similar blood pressure-lowering benefits. Eating more beans not only fights high blood pressure, but it promotes a healthy weight. You can slim down while protecting your heart. Beans are also protein-rich and packed with minerals. You don’t have to demote them to side-dish status. Eat them to replace a meat meal or two.

Nuts

Does rice whiten skin?
Does rice whiten skin?

Rice water for skin lightening Many websites recommend using rice water to lighten the skin or reduce dark patches. In fact, a lot of commercial...

Read More »
What can I take to sleep if I have high blood pressure?
What can I take to sleep if I have high blood pressure?

A guide to sleep aids: your options Melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that your body produces naturally, signaling the brain that...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

When it comes to beating high blood pressure, nuts are an important part of the equation. Adding nuts to your diet significantly slashes high blood pressure risk. They’re a good source of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and protein. Just remember that they’re also high in calories. It’s easy to lose track if you nosh on them out of the can. Instead, measure out a 1.5-ounce serving – about a handful. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to soups, salads, and other meals.

Berries

Berries take the crown for being one of the most nutrient-dense foods. These small fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Having just one cup of berries a day can cut blood pressure by several points and help keep your arteries soft and flexible so that blood flows efficiently. You can get similar benefits from berry juice, but you miss out on the fiber, so stick to fresh or frozen berries.

Tomatoes

Reach for a tomato the next time you find yourself in the produce aisle. These red wonders are loaded with lycopene, a potent antioxidant shown to offer various health benefits, including lowering blood pressure. Lycopene gives red fruits and vegetables their rich color and is a key component of the Mediterranean diet -- an eating pattern known to lower the risk of heart disease. Not only does lycopene keep blood pressure in check, but having high levels in your blood reduces bad cholesterol and lowers the risk of stroke. Partnering with an experienced internist, like Dr. Stanley John here at Bethel Medical Associates, is the first step in taking control of your heart health. We offer heart disease screening tests and can evaluate your risk factors to guide recommendations for protecting your heart. Preventing and managing heart disease can save your life. Call our office to schedule an appointment today, or use our online booking tool. Your heart will thank you.

Will eating breakfast help me lose weight?
Will eating breakfast help me lose weight?

If your goal is to boost your metabolism and lose weight, studies show that whether you eat or skip breakfast has no bearing on the number of...

Read More »
What are the benefits of boiled rice water?
What are the benefits of boiled rice water?

Here Are 5 Well-Known Health Benefits Of Kanji Or Rice Water: Aids Digestive Processes. Experts recommend drinking rice water to soothe digestive...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
What should I eat to lose weight at night?
What should I eat to lose weight at night?

The following are some of the best snacks for weight loss. Hummus and vegetables. Hummus is a traditional Mediterranean dish that people make from...

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
How much sleep do I need to lose weight?
How much sleep do I need to lose weight?

Overall, it is likely a good idea for anyone looking to lose weight to aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night. May 15, 2020

Read More »