World Hypertension Day: 5 blood pressure-lowering drinks 2023
Young and old are increasingly concerned about blood pressure. Stress and poor lifestyle choices can cause hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and others. People are less active and eating more unhealthy foods heavy in salt, sugar, and trans fats.
Increased junk food consumption and lack of cooking time may be the causes. Controlling blood pressure starts with food. Exercise helps reduce weight and BP symptoms. High blood pressure diet: Fruits that reduce blood pressure
DASH diets reduce blood pressure, according to several studies.
Balanced, nutrient-rich, low-sodium and heart-healthy diets are blood pressure-friendly. DASH may lower blood pressure. It comprises complete meals, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
“Several studies have shown that DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet lowers blood pressure. DASH promotes a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and potassium, low in saturated fat, salt, and alcohol. BP-lowering nutrients include magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Magnesium transports calcium and potassium and relaxes blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure. Calcium relaxes blood vessels. Jagriti Barar, Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Malad, says potassium helps the body get rid of excess sodium, which can retain fluid and raise blood pressure.
HT Digital interviewed Brar on regular beverages that reduce BP.
- Coconut water
Potassium-rich coconut water lowers blood pressure. This electrolyte-rich drink helps the kidneys eliminate salt, which lowers blood pressure. High potassium levels improve vascular health, lowering stroke risk.
- Banana milkshake (using skimmed milk)
Potassium-rich bananas may lower blood pressure. Skimmed milk reduces fat. The tasty drink includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which lower blood pressure.
- Tomato soup or tomato juice (unsalted)
Antioxidants like lycopene in tomatoes provide health advantages. Tomato juice or soup daily lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Buttermilk (skimmed milk curd)
Buttermilk cools and can be consumed daily. It’s calcium-magnesium-rich. It helps reduce BP and weight. DASH emphasizes low-fat dairy.
- Pomegranate-beetroot juice
Anti-inflammatory pomegranate. ACE, a protein that controls blood vessel size, is also reduced, lowering blood pressure. Nitrate in beet juice improves blood flow. NO3 boosts bloodstream NO levels and improves endothelial function (e.g., vasodilation).
