A cardiologist has revealed four tasty fruits that could help tackle a high blood pressure reading. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a precursor to serious health problems, ranging from heart attacks to strokes.
Therefore, it’s imperative to keep your reading within a healthy range. Fortunately, a healthy diet offers an effective means of reducing blood pressure.
Cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir told Eating Well that four particular fruits do this with gusto. Their nutritional properties make them great at steadying or lowering hypertension.
1. Bananas
Packed with a heart-healthy nutrient – potassium – bananas – have been shown to help manage hypertension. Dr Sabgir said: “[Potassium] is recognised for its ability to reduce the effects of sodium in the body and to alleviate tension in the walls of the blood vessels.”
The mineral plays a role in how much fluid is stored in your body. If your body is holding onto too much water, there will be more fluid in your blood, raising your blood pressure. This is where potassium steps in, helping to remove some of the excess fluid.
2. Avocados
Similarly to bananas, avocados pack a punch of potassium, with just one serving, which is one-third of a medium avocado, offering 250 milligrams of the mineral.
The doctor said: “A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure.”
Furthermore, the creamy foods also offer dietary fibre and unsaturated fats, which can further benefit your cardiovascular health.
3. Berries
Whether you add them to your morning yoghurt or enjoy them on their own, the likes of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries may help with high blood pressure management, according to the doctor.
He said: “Berries contain antioxidants, including anthocyanins which research suggests can help lower blood pressure.”
Don’t just take the expert’s word for it, as a study, published by Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, found a link between higher intakes of anthocyanins and a lower heart disease risk.
4. Kiwi
The doctor explained that the green fruit is a good source of vitamin C and can help reduce blood pressure in those with “primary hypertension”.
Dr Sabgir said: “Recent research has found that a daily serving of kiwi can reduce systolic blood pressure.”
The expert is referring to research, published in the journal Nutrients, which notes that kiwi also offers potassium, which could factor into this effect.