Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition that is frequently referred to as a silent killer. WHO points out that 46% of individuals with hypertension are not aware of the fact that they have it. Furthermore, WHO also pointed out that almost 1.4 billion people are leading their lives affected by this issue today. In an Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist who studied at Stanford and Harvard, pointed out 5 key food items that we should add into our diet in order to keep high blood pressure in check. Lets learn about these food items in this article.
1. Banana
Dr Sethi said in his video: “These are high in potassium, which aids in reducing blood pressure by helping the kidneys eliminate excess sodium.” A research conducted at Waterloo University concluded that heightening the ratio of potassium instead of sodium consumption might be more useful for reducing blood pressure than just lowering sodium intake.
2. Beetroot
This beautiful vegetable is rich in compounds that bring down blood pressure. According to Dr Sethi some amount of beetroots that we eat will convert themselves into nitric oxide due to the presence of organic nitrates. Nitric oxides are known to support blood flow by dilating blood vessels.
3. Dark Chocolate
Even though most people know a number of health benefits provided by dark chocolates, very few realise its ability to reduce BP. That is, dark chocolates can benefit not just our taste buds, but, as in the words of Dr Sethi, “It is packed with magnesium and flavanols, which lower BP by boosting the production of nitric oxide.”
4. Ginger
The Dr noted in his video that ginger lowers blood pressure and relaxes our blood vessels by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker. Whether it is juice, meats, wraps or even tea, add some ginger into it all. Your body will thank you later.
5. Pomegranates
Dr. Sethi said: “Pomegranates have been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure by lowering the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).” Additionally, it remains as an established knowledge today that the antioxidants present in pomegranates, polyphenols in particular, has the ability to lower BP.
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