Try these foods that help hypertension for National Blood Pressure Month.
High blood pressure is a health issue that affects both young and old Americans like. Alarmingly, it’s one of the leading risk factors for death and disability across the nation, as well as across the world. One of the easiest steps you can take to prevent high blood pressure is choosing healthy foods and leading a healthy lifestyle. What we eat every day has a direct impact on our health, including our blood pressure. Studies have found that some foods are better than others at keeping our blood pressure in check. Since May is National Blood Pressure Month, take it upon yourself to eat these superfoods to naturally lower blood pressure.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is ideal for reducing your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels when consumed over a six-month period. Studies on hypertension (high blood pressure) found that those who had a daily dose of flaxseed benefited.
Dark Chocolate
We know what you’re thinking – is dark chocolate really a superfood? Turns out it is! Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols and can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with pre-hypertension symptoms, or existing hypertension. According to one Harvard study, people who consumed dark chocolate products that were at least 50-70% cocoa saw lowered blood pressure, particularly if they were already suffering from hypertension. Take it easy though – you should limit yourself to one small square of dark chocolate daily.
Blueberries
Blueberries are blue because of pigments called anthocyanins. These components are known to confer various health benefits including lower blood pressure, more flexible arteries, and a lower risk of heart attack.
Nuts and Seeds
In the past, nuts had an unhealthy reputation because of their high-fat content. It’s true that nuts and seeds contain a lot of oils. However, they contain mostly unsaturated fats, the kind which are healthiest for the body. They are an excellent source of protein and many nuts contain a protein component – L-Arginine – which helps lower blood pressure.
Wholegrains
Whole grains are a critical part of any heart-healthy diet. They are capable of lowering systolic blood pressure and improving cholesterol profiles. What’s more, since they offer fiber and protein, they can help you maintain a healthy weight for years to come
These are some of the things you can do to take better care of your health this month. Want another way to make your health a priority? Then make sure you have the right health insurance coverage to address all your needs. To find the best policy for you, contact the experts at Donald Weiss Insurance Services. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your coverage needs.