18 foods that help lower blood pressure - Medical News Today

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Research has shown that certain foods — such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oily fish — can help lower blood pressure. Combining these foods in the diet may lead to long-term health benefits.
Medications, dietary changes, and other lifestyle modifications can reduce high blood pressure, or hypertension, while lowering the likelihood of developing associated conditions. High blood pressure increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Types of food that may help include:
This article discusses foods that can help reduce high blood pressure and provide scientific evidence.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Certain foods and overall diet can help people manage blood pressure.
In general, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers a serving to be:
For most ages, the USDA recommends consuming around 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables daily, although this varies slightly according to age and sex.
Blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid.
A 2019 review suggests consistent findings to support the theory that anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich berries can lower blood pressure.
However, they emphasize that this outcome is not generalized and may depend on several factors, including study length, baseline characteristics, and dosage.
The review’s authors and other researchers suggest that further evidence is necessary to prove this claim.
To enjoy berries:
A serving of blueberries is around 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or half a cup of dried blueberries. A serving of strawberries is around 7 strawberries.
Which other foods are rich in antioxidants?
Bananas contain potassium, which can help manage hypertension. One medium-sized banana contains around 422 milligrams (mg) of potassium.
A serving would be 1 large banana, 1 cup of sliced banana, or two-thirds of a cup of mashed banana.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), potassium reduces the effects of sodium and alleviates tension in the walls of the blood vessels.
The Office of Dietary Supplements advises that adult males aim to consume 3,400 mg of potassium daily and adult females — 2,600 mg.
Other potassium-rich foods include:
People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before increasing their potassium intake, as too much can be harmful.
Drinking beet juice may reduce blood pressure in the short and long term because it contains dietary nitrate.
According to a 2022 systematic review, research shows that nitrate from beetroot juice lowers systolic blood pressure in people with arterial hypertension but does not affect diastolic blood pressure.
Tips for use include:
A serving of beet is around 1 cup of raw, cooked, or juiced beets.
Cacao, an ingredient in dark chocolate, contains flavonoids, an antioxidant. Flavonoids may help reduce blood pressure, according to the AHA.
However, it notes that a person may not be able to consume enough flavonoids in dark chocolate to experience significant benefits.
The AHA says that a small amount of chocolate from time to time can be part of a balanced diet. It advises, however, that people eat it because they enjoy it, not for health reasons.
A daily serving of kiwi can reduce systolic blood pressure, among other benefits, according to a 2022 randomized control trial.
People who ate 2 kiwis per day before breakfast for 7 weeks had a reduction of 2.7 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) in systolic blood pressure compared to a control group.
Kiwis are also rich in vitamin C. A 2020 meta-analysis suggests that vitamin C supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure in people with primary hypertension.
Kiwis are easy to add to lunches or smoothies. One cup of kiwi, or 2–3 kiwifruits, makes up 1 serving.
Which other foods contain vitamin C?
Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline.
The body converts citrulline to arginine, and this helps the body produce nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and encourages flexibility in arteries. These effects aid blood flow, which can lower high blood pressure.
A small 2023 controlled crossover trial looked at the effects of watermelon juice on blood pressure in young, healthy adults. They found that watermelon juice lowered systolic blood pressure over two hours.
Similarly, a 2023 meta-analysis suggests research up to 2021 supports watermelon’s blood pressure-lowering effects. However, the authors highlight the need for more trials with larger sample sizes.
In a small 2019 study, 27 people consumed either watermelon juice or another drink before exercise. The females who drank watermelon juice did not experience a rise in blood pressure after exercise, although the males did.
People can consume watermelon:
One serving of watermelon is 1 cup of chopped fruit or 1 slice of around 2 inches.
Oats contain a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may benefit heart health, including blood pressure.
A 2020 rodent study found that beta-glucan and avenanthramide C, both present in oats, reduce levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress in hypertensive rats.
These results suggest that ingredients present in oats can help prevent high blood pressure and protect heart health in other ways. However, further research on human subjects is necessary.
Ways of eating oats include:
Leafy green vegetables are rich in nitrates, which help manage blood pressure.
Research from 2021 suggests that eating at least 1 cup of green leafy vegetables daily can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Examples of leafy greens include:
To consume a daily dose of green vegetables, a person can:
A serving of fresh leafy greens is 2 cups of fresh leaves or 1 cup of cooked leafy greens.
Garlic has antibiotic and antifungal properties, many of which may be due to its main active ingredient, allicin.
A 2020 review concludes that garlic in general, and specifically Kyolic garlic, can reduce:
Garlic can enhance the flavor of many savory meals, including stir-fries, soups, and omelets. It can also be an alternative to salt as a flavoring.
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that may help manage blood pressure.
In 2020, researchers analyzed data from 11,566 adults ages 50 or older in Korea. The results suggest that women who had gone through menopause and ate fermented soy foods had a lower risk of hypertension. However, this did not appear to be true for men.
Sodium is a risk factor for high blood pressure, and experts advise people to limit their salt intake. However, a 2017 study did not find that eating salt-fermented vegetables increased the risk of high blood pressure despite the high sodium content.
Fermented foods to add to the diet include:
Probiotic supplements are another option.
Lentils provide protein and fiber, and experts say they may benefit the blood vessels of people with hypertension.
A 2022 study analyzed legume intake over 3.7 years in 7,522 people from the United Kingdom. Researchers associated higher legume consumption of 55–70 grams (g) daily with a lower risk of hypertension. Legumes included lentils, peas, beans, and more.
People can use lentils in many ways, including:
Yogurt is fermented dairy food.
A 2021 study looked at data for people with and without high blood pressure to see whether there was a link between fermented dairy products and hypertension.
The participants with high blood pressure who consumed more yogurt had lower systolic blood pressure and lower arterial pressure than those who did not.
To enjoy unsweetened yogurt:
Pomegranates contain antioxidants and other ingredients that may help prevent high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
A 2018 trial suggests that daily pomegranate juice consumption may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with diabetes. However, the authors stress the need for further research.
A 2017 review of eight human trials found evidence that consuming pomegranate juice consistently lowered blood pressure.
People can consume pomegranates whole or as juice. When buying prepackaged pomegranate juice, check to ensure that there is no added sugar.
Cinnamon may help reduce blood pressure by a modest amount, according to a 2020 review. The authors found that consuming up to 2 g of cinnamon daily for 8 weeks or more reduced blood pressure in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
To incorporate cinnamon into the diet, a person can:
Several studies have found that eating nuts of various types can help manage hypertension.
A 2019 study suggests regular walnut consumption reduces systolic blood pressure in older adults with mind hypertension.
A 2022 cross-sectional study also suggests that moderate nut consumption, 55–100 g daily, may help to manage hypertension in children.
Opt for unsalted nuts and:
People should not consume nuts if they have a nut allergy.
Citrus fruits contain hesperidin, an antioxidant that may benefit heart health.
In a 2021 study, 159 people consumed 500 ml of orange juice, hesperidin-enriched orange juice, or a control drink per day for 12 weeks.
The results indicate that regularly consuming orange juice can help lower systolic blood pressure and that hesperidin contributes to this effect.
People can consume citrus fruits:
The AHA recommends consuming 2 servings of 3 ounces (oz) of oily fish per week, as it may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A 2022 research report by the AHA suggests that consuming around 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily may help to reduce blood pressure. These are in fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, or fish supplements.
Examples of oily fish include:
Some fish contain mercury, and people should check the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines to ensure they do not consume too much. They can also visit this website to check which fish is currently sustainable.
Tomato contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may be beneficial for heart health.
A 2021 review found that consuming tomato extract can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in people with or without hypertension. However, including other forms of tomatoes in the diet did not produce the same results.
Other researchers have found that high doses of lycopene reduced systolic blood pressure while lower levels did not.
While some foods may relieve hypertension, others can increase the risk of the condition.
Decreasing salt intake can benefit the heart and reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
The USDA recommends limiting sodium intake to 2.3 g per day for people above age 13.
Although moderate coffee consumption may benefit heart health, high coffee consumption can increase blood pressure and the risk of certain complications in people with hypertension.
A 2022 study found that high coffee consumption increased the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in people with severe hypertension.
Regular alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure.
According to a 2021 review, even moderate consumption can cause high blood pressure in females.
The AHA recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day for males and 1 for females. The serving size of 1 alcoholic drink is:
Processed foods may contain added salt and harmful fats. A 2021 study found that people with a high consumption of processed foods were more likely to have high blood pressure.
Learn 50 foods to avoid if a person has high blood pressure.
As well as dietary measures, the AHA recommends the following tips for lowering blood pressure:
Learn 15 natural ways to lower blood pressure.
Here are some questions people often ask about lowering blood pressure.
There is no way to lower blood pressure quickly at home. However, a person can follow a plan of diet, exercise, and possibly medication to lower their blood pressure over time.
If blood pressure is over 180/120, the person should call 911.
According to a small 2020 study, drinking more water each day may lower blood pressure, but more research is necessary.
Optimal blood pressure is up to 120/80 mm Hg. If several readings show levels are higher than this, a person may wish to seek guidance from a doctor.
Here, read our blood pressure chart.
No single food can quickly lower blood pressure. However, some foods may help a person lower their blood pressure in general. These include anthocyanin-rich berries, bananas and other foods containing potassium, beetroot juice and beets, leafy green vegetables, and more.
Natural methods of lowering blood pressure include getting enough physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a moderate weight. Consuming a heart-healthy diet is also important.
However, if a person needs to lower their blood pressure quickly in an emergency situation, they may need to take medication. It is important to visit the ER for treatment.
Learn more about natural ways to lower blood pressure.
Fruits that can help lower blood pressure in the long term include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and kiwis. Drinking pomegranate juice may also help.
Dietary and lifestyle choices can help manage high blood pressure.
A balanced diet focusing on moderate intakes of fruits, vegetables, oats, nuts, lentils, herbs, and spices can be beneficial. In contrast, excessive salt, alcohol, and processed foods may worsen hypertension.
A doctor can help someone make a plan that involves exercise, food choices, and other measures to manage high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues.
Last medically reviewed on October 13, 2023
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