Sunday, September 25, 2011

Wellness Tip: Foods That Fight High Blood Pressure

Dark Chocolate
Who can complain about this one? According to a report by the "Journal of the American Medical Association," eating one half ounce per day of dark chocolate, which is high in phenols, is associated with lowering blood pressure.

Potassium-Packed Fruits And VeggiesFoods rich in potassium help balance the sodium mechanism, which affects our blood and kidneys. Some potassium-hearty foods include bananas, soybeans and soy products, white potatoes, lemons, cherry juice (unsweetened) organic apple cider vinegar, Chinese cabbage, dill and dandelion greens.

GarlicStudies have shown that because garlic is high in potassium, it helps to protect our heart and arteries. How? By reducing cholesterol levels, thereby preventing blood clots.

BeansA daily serving of one and 1/2 cups of beans provides enough soluble fiber to lower cholesterol levels, and these legumes are an excellent source of folic acid. Plus, beans help prevent buildup of artery-clogging substances that contribute to high blood pressure.

TomatoesWhether they’re heirloom or just the plain grocery-store variety, all tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that prevents LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. That’s why eating tomatoes helps prevent plaque formation and heart disease -- as well as reduces blood pressure.