10 Power Foods That Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

 

These 13 well-balanced foods will help reduce your blood pressure and risk of stroke and even heart attack nearly in half.

 

According to Prevention, research has shown that these foods which are naturally low in sodium and high in at least two of the three power minerals: calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help lower your blood pressure the easy and natural way.

 

One cup of white beans provides 13% of the calcium, 30% of the magnesium, and 24% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: You can use this comfort food in side dishes, soups, and entrées. As a meatless source of protein, it’s a great choice for vegetarians. Choose no-salt added or well-rinsed low-sodium canned white beans, or cook dried beans overnight in a slow cooker.

 

Three ounces of pork tenderloin provide 6% of the magnesium and 15% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: Meat lovers, rejoice! This lean cut provides plenty of meaty flavor and satisfaction without the overload of saturated fat found in fattier types of beef and pork. Cook larger tenderloins (or do several on the grill or in the oven) and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for fast weeknight meals.

 

One cup of fat-free plain yogurt provides 49% of the calcium, 12% of the magnesium, and 18% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: Cool and creamy, yogurt is a star ingredient in mineral-rich breakfasts, in sauces and salad dressings, and even in entrées. Most brands of regular yogurt tend to be a bit higher in calcium than Greek varieties. You can control the fat and nutrient content by making your own yogurt at home for your high blood pressure diet. 

 

Four ounces of tilapia provides 8% of the magnesium and 8% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: This mild white fish is available year-round in supermarkets and fish stores, fresh or as frozen fillets. You can roast it, bake it, and sauté it, flavor it with a variety of seasonings, and even top it with mineral-rich kiwi-avocado salsa. Tilapia is extremely low in environmental toxins like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and it is considered a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. Most US-raised tilapia is grown in closed-system fish farms on plant-based diets, an approach that doesn’t threaten stocks of wild fish, according to the nonprofit Food & Water Watch.

 

One kiwifruit provides 2% of the calcium, 7% of the magnesium, and 9% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: Kiwifruit is available year-round in supermarkets, hailing from California orchards November through May and from New Zealand June through October. (Kiwifruit was named after New Zealand’s native kiwi bird, whose brown, fuzzy coat resembles the skin of this fruit.) Ripe kiwis can be stored in the fridge or on your counter. They contain more vitamin C than a same-size serving of orange slices.

 

One medium peach or nectarine provides 1% of the calcium, 3% of the magnesium, and 8% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: Frozen unsweetened peach slices are a great alternative to fresh peaches and nectarines on a high blood pressure diet. Just defrost ahead of time or, for smoothies, simply toss in the blender. 

 

One medium banana provides 1% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium, and 12% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: No need to toss soft bananas when the skin turns brown. Peel, bag, and freeze for use in smoothies. 

 

One cup of raw red bell pepper provides 1% of the calcium, 4% of the magnesium, and 9% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: Red bell peppers keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Store wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel so they don’t dry out. You can freeze extras to use later in cooked dishes.

  

One medium sweet potato with the skin provides 4% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium (7% without the skin), and 15% of the potassium (10% without the skin) you need every day.

 

Tip: So sweet it could be a dessert, sweet potatoes are a great addition to smoothies. Bake several sweet potatoes at one time so you’ll have a ready supply for quick smoothies and other recipes.

 

One-half of an avocado provides 1% of the calcium, 5% of the magnesium, and 10% of the potassium you need every day.

 

Tip: In addition to pressure-soothing minerals and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados contain health-promoting carotenoids. Peel carefully; the dark green flesh just under an avocado’s brittle skin contains large amounts of these disease-fighting compounds.