Lean beef, pork, chicken and fatty fish are good proteins to help promote healthy blood pressure. Fatty fish like salmon are loaded with omega-3 fats, and high levels of this healthy fat are associated with lower SBP and DBP.
Lean beef can be enjoyed as the predominant protein source, along with fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy, to effectively help lower blood pressure in healthy individuals, say Penn State researchers.
Red meat. Red meat can raise a person's blood pressure. The process of metabolizing red meat in the body may also release compounds that elevate blood pressure even more.
Routinely eating grilled or well-done beef, chicken or fish may raise the risk of developing high blood pressure, according to preliminary research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Red and processed meats are high in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium, which can lead to hypertension and other forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
According to research, adding certain foods like leafy greens, berries, beans, lentils, seeds, fatty fish, citrus fruits, and carrots to your meals and snacks may help you reach and maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure.
Yogurt by itself does not lower blood pressure or prevent hypertension. But a diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like low-fat yogurt instead of less healthy foods does combat high blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan calls for two to three servings of low-fat dairy per day.
Highly processed foods, saturated fats, salt, fried food, and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided. These can elevate blood pressure, according to Dr. Landsman. Exceeding your recommended daily calorie intake is also bad for your blood pressure.
Egg consumption has no significant effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults.
One study⁸ that reviewed 97,745 cases of high blood pressure found a positive association between red meat consumption and increased risk for high blood pressure. The review observed a 14% increased risk for every additional 100 grams of red meat consumed per day. Popular red meats to avoid include: Beef.
The best are salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout, sardines and herring. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have been shown to reduce blood pressure along with several other cardiovascular benefits. Strive for three servings a week.
According to the Penn State study, lean beef is good for more than just fuelling your muscle growth. Despite decades of scare stories from the red meat naysayers, it can actually help to lower your blood pressure.
According to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "potatoes are high in chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins, chemicals that help to lower blood pressure. The polyphenol in purple potatoes may also help." Additionally, potatoes are also a good source of potassium.
White rice is high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients that help control your blood pressure. Therefore, it is better to choose brown rice in place of white rice in order to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Brown rice is higher in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals when compared to white rice.
Broccoli. This cruciferous veggie is a good source of three blood pressure regulating minerals: magnesium, calcium and potassium. Or go for broccoli sprouts, which are high in compounds that may reduce hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Avocados are rich in potassium. Potassium helps level out your blood pressure by lowering sodium levels in your blood and easing tension in your blood vessel walls.
Another study showed that red meat is connected to the development of hypertension, and is in the group of foods that raise blood pressure quickly. That means omitting chicken, beef, veal, pork, venison, and lamb is necessary for a healthy diet.
Milk provides approximately 350 mg of potassium per cup (11% DV) [21]. High dietary potassium intake is associated with lower BP and maintaining adequate intake of dietary potassium (>3500 mg/d) is recommended for the primary prevention of HTN by the JNC 7 [6].
If you're worried maintaining lowered blood pressure might mean giving up bread, you will be thrilled to know that whole grain breads made out of whole wheat, whole rye or whole multigrain have shown to have a blood pressure lowering effect if eaten regularly.
Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening. Blood pressure is usually lower at night while sleeping. The blood pressure measurement at night is called nocturnal blood pressure.
Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same. Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day.