Fruits and Vegetables that Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is indeed frightening. However, with lifestyle modification and eating lots of fruits and vegetables that lower blood pressure, it can be helped and good health can be restored. It has been proven that fruits and vegetables contain minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fibers, and other nutritious elements needed by the body for the prevention of many diseases as well as the enhancement of the well being of a person.

Here's a list of fruits and vegetables that lower blood pressure:

1. Bananas - are very rich in potassium and have very low sodium content. They enhance muscle contractions including the heart muscle, and is an important electrolyte inside the body which aids in fluid balance.

2. Potatoes - contain kukoamines which have been found to combat hypertension.

3. Citrus fruits - such as grapes, limes, oranges, lemons all contain phytonutrients and bioflavonoids aside from being rich in Vitamin C. These have anti-inflammatory effects and prevents untoward blood clot formations in the blood vessels.

4. Tomato - is a very good source of vitamins A, C and E and is also rich in calcium and potassium. It contains the antioxidant lycopene which prevents low density lipoproteins or LDL in adhering to blood vessels thereby preventing atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

5. Avocados - are rich in potassium which has great many uses in the body.

6. Flower vegetables - including cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage have high glutamic acid content which helps in lowering blood pressure and reduce the risk for stroke.

7. Melons - contains magnesium, potassium as well as carotenoids which helps prevent blood vessels from hardening and narrowing. These in turn greatly prevent the risk of hypertension and stroke.

8. Carrots - are rich in beta carotene as well as potassium which are good for the overall health of the body, especially in lowering blood pressure.

9. Bitter melon - is a source of citrulline, which is an amino acid that helps increase Vitamin C and nitric monoxide in the blood. This promotes the elimination of active oxygen, thus also lowering blood pressure.

10. Leafy green vegetables - such as lettuce, spinach and kale have high content of vitamins, fibers and minerals as well as beta carotene, lutien and phytochemicals. These protects the blood vessels from the build up of harmful plaques that can lead to high blood pressure.