Eating a variety of delicious fruits is one of the easiest and most nutritious ways to naturally lower your blood pressure, and also make sure you get an array of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. We'll dive into why fruits are good for those dealing with high blood pressure as well as which ones should be at the top of your list!
Fruits are one of nature's most delicious gifts. Nothing beats that first bite into a crisp, juicy apple or a tangy orange, as well as the array of colours and flavours found in bananas, grapes, and muskmelons! But flavour isn't the only thing fruits have going for them. This article will delve into one of the main benefits of fruits: their ability to help manage blood pressure effectively. Fruits that lower blood pressure include a variety of options, from apples and bananas to apricots and strawberries. They’re not only delicious, but also hold significance as important sources of essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Fruits to Manage High Blood Pressure
We’ve given you a list of fruits for hypertension management that are packed with all the nutrients you need to help lower blood pressure. These fruits are loaded with potassium, an increased intake of which helps you release sodium through your urine. Plus, potassium relaxes your blood vessels, keeping your blood pressure in check. These fruits are also loaded with fiber and other nutrients that can help regulate pressure levels.
If you don’t enjoy these fruits whole, we've also included a few recipe ideas with these fruits for high blood pressure management for you to try.
Fruit |
About |
Amount of potassium (mg/100g) |
Banana |
Loaded with potassium, bananas are one of the best fruits for high blood pressure management. They also contain vitamin B6, which has been seen to have a beneficial role in lowering blood pressure. Try a delicious banana shake to kickstart your day. |
362 |
Apricots |
Apricots are not only a flavourful addition to your meals, but also offer a ton of potassium that supports blood pressure regulation. Additionally, apricots contain dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health and a feeling of fullness. For healthy snacking options, try making a couscous apricot pistachio salad by mixing chopped apricots with pistachios. |
285 |
Orange |
Oranges are not just a refreshing source of vitamin C; their potassium content makes them one of the most important fruits to lower blood pressure. Furthermore, oranges provide hydration due to their high-water content, making them a valuable choice for overall health. You can enjoy oranges as a rejuvenating snack or savour their refreshing essence in the form of a refreshing orange iced tea. |
164 |
Muskmelon (orange flesh) |
Incorporating muskmelons into your diet can be a tasty way to contribute to your potassium intake and potentially help with blood pressure management. Try a cucumber-melon salad for a healthy lunch option. |
196 |
Green grapes |
Grapes are not only packed with potassium, but they also contain potent antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonols, whose activity can further lower blood pressure.
Prepare a tasty carrot grape and orange salad for a healthy midday snack. |
166 |
Guava |
Guava is a nutrition powerhouse, rich in potassium and fiber. This tasty fruit has also been found to lower cholesterol levels, which can help manage weight gain- a known risk factor for high blood pressure.
|
283 |
Apple |
Apples, in addition to their high dietary fiber, provide a decent amount of potassium, making them a beneficial fruit for hypertension patients to include in their diet.
Prepare a nutritious apple-flavoured smoothie for a healthy start to your morning. |
116 |
An ideal approach to lowering your blood pressure is to follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. As per DASH, for a 2000 calorie eating plan, it is advised to have 4-5 servings of fruits for high BP management per day, with serving sizes as follows:
- 1 medium fruit
- 1/4 cup dried fruit
- 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit
- 1/2 cup 100% fruit juice
It is important to mention that if you are currently dealing with high blood pressure, or any health issues, it’s always advisable to check with your healthcare provider before adding any of these fruits for hypertension management to your diet.
Conclusion
If you're trying to take control of your blood pressure or are looking to boost your heart health, fruits are a great addition to your diet. And with so many delicious options to choose from, you'll never get tired of eating healthy. Just remember, along with these fruits for lowering blood pressure, add lean meats and whole grains to your meals for a balanced diet, and limit foods with a ton of salt and saturated fats. And don't forget to keep up with your exercise routine regularly for the best results. So go ahead, give these tasty fruits a go, and see how they can help you maintain blood pressure levels.