Keeping blood pressure in control is the key to avoiding a range of health issues that come along with hypertension from heart problems, kidney failure to even vision loss. Apart from regular monitoring of BP and taking medication on time, it is also important to make necessary lifestyle changes that could aid in the management of the disease.
Many factors can lead to hypertension from excess salt in the diet, very little potassium, high intake of alcohol, too little physical activity and too much stress. Overtime, increased blood pressure can lead to several health problems like enlarged heart, damaged blood vessels, kidney failure, heart failure and vision loss.
In an interview with HT Digital, Dr Meghana Pasi, Nutrition Consultant MyThali program, ArogyaWorld talks about the foods that help manage blood pressure in summer season.
Strawberry: This sweet-tangy fruit is loaded with anthocyanins (an antioxidant), vitamin C, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce high blood pressure. Add them to your sauces, cakes, milkshakes, smoothies and salads not just for taste but for its health benefits.
Bananas: These are rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium which helps keeping BP low. It also promotes digestion and helps people feel full for longer.
Pomegranate: It helps reduce an enzyme ACE which controls the size of the blood vessels which lowers the blood pressure.
Mango: It is a great source of fibre, beta carotene and potassium which are effective in lowering blood pressure. Relish mangoes throughout summers in shakes, smoothies, desserts or just slice them and enjoy
Veggies like spinach, beets and garlic: They contain nitrates which get converted to nitric oxide after digestion. Nitric oxide lowers blood pressure by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels.
Curd: It is loaded with potassium and calcium which reduces risk of hypertension. It contains healthy bacteria which helps in relieving stress and inflammation. Have curd as buttermilk, smoothies, lassi and raitas in hot summers.
Coconut water: It keeps you hydrated and acts like a natural diuretic. It also helps in regulating blood pressure by maintaining the electrolyte balance.
