In case you still have doubts about eating fruits and vegetables to keep blood pressure under control, here.s more evidence that it works. Researchers at the University of Minnesota followed 4,304 men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 for 15 years to assess the impact of their diets on their blood pressure. They found that the more plant foods (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes) and the less red meat participants consumed, the less likely they were to develop high blood pressure. These findings, published in the December 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, mirrored results from earlier studies showing that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, low in total fats, and containing low-fat dairy foods can reduce blood pressure, especially among patients with hypertension. In the new study, the impact of dairy food consumption on the risk of high blood pressure was inconclusive. Other studies have also shown the benefit of combining regular exercise with a dietary strategy to control blood pressure.
- Alcohol Intake – reduce consuming alcoholic drinks; if possible quit drinking alcoholic drinks.
- Body Weight – maintain an optimal body weight (as per body mass index).
- Caffeine Intake – reduce consuming the caffeine-rich drinks such as coffee tea and sodas.
- Physical Exercises – do some moderate physical exercises such as walking at least for about 30 minutes a day.
- Processed Foods – avoid consuming processed foods as they contain large quantities of sodium.
- Relaxation – do some relaxing practices such as biofeedback breathing exercises meditation and/or yoga. There practices will definitely help you lower high blood pressure.
- Smoking – smoking is one of the important hypertension-causing factors. Quit smoking tobacco.
- Calcium and Magnesium – do not consume calcium and magnesium inadequately as it results in hypertension.Therefore consume adequate quantity of calcium and magnesium (for women 0.035 to 0.042 oz a day and for men 0.018 to 0.021 a day).
- Controlled and Balanced Foods – eat only controlled and balanced foods such as low-fat foods non-fat dairy nutrients and less oily foods.
- Fish – eat at least 3-4 servings of fish every week. Cold-water fish such as sardines and wild Alaskan salmon are rich in fatty acids called “omega-3 fatty acids” which help you control hypertension.
- Fish-Liver Oil – consuming fish-liver oil every day will help you lower high blood pressure as it contains DHA (docohexaenoic acid).
- Fruits and Vegetables – eat large quantities of vegetables and at least 8-10 servings of fresh fruit a day.
- Garlic – garlic has great power of controlling high blood pressure. Chew and swallow at least one clove of garlic in the morning.
- Nuts and Seeds – consume at least 4-5 servings of cooked dry beans (half cup) nuts (2 teaspoon) and seeds (2 teaspoon) a week.
- Lower Meat Consumption – do not consume more than 6 oz of animal protein a day.
- Lower Salt Intake – salt is another important hypertension-inducing factor. Therefore reduce consumption of salt; do not exceed 0.08 oz a day.
- Vitamin C – consume the supplements that have vitamin C as vitamin C will lower blood pressure in the individuals with mild to moderate hypertension.
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