Hypertension poses great risks to health, and if not taken care of properly, it can seriously affect patients' well-being. In addition to taking antihypertensive medication, patients should also consume foods that help lower blood pressure in their daily diet, as this can enhance the effect of blood pressure reduction. So, what are some foods that can help lower blood pressure? How should they be consumed? Let's find out together.
Foods that help lower blood pressure
1. Celery
Celery is definitely a magic weapon for lowering blood pressure for people with hypertension. Many people are aware of the blood pressure-lowering effects of celery, especially its miraculous soothing effect on headaches and head congestion caused by high blood pressure.
2. Black fungus
Black fungus is also a food that helps lower blood pressure, and its blood pressure-lowering effect remains unchanged regardless of the method of consumption. A convenient way to consume it is to soak the black fungus in water overnight, steam it for 1-2 hours, and then add a suitable amount of rock sugar. Eat a bowl of it every day. After a few days, you will find that your blood pressure, which used to frequently spike, has decreased significantly, and the fluctuations are no longer as dramatic as before. This is the charm of black fungus.
3. Mung beans
Mung beans are also one of the foods that help lower blood pressure. Its blood pressure-lowering effect is well-known, and it is a good dietary therapy for patients with hypertension. Regular consumption of mung beans not only helps to lower blood pressure but also prevents the increase of blood lipids.
4. Watermelon rind
You would never imagine that the watermelon rind, a common and casually discarded part of our lives, also has excellent blood pressure-lowering effects. Take 9 grams each of watermelon rind and grassy breakstem, boil them in water and consume the decoction. This food that helps lower blood pressure has a good effect on treating hypertension.
5. Kelp
Kelp is affordable, nutritious, and a treasure trove of calcium and iron. The fucoidan in kelp has a blood pressure-lowering effect. Kelp contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which can remove cholesterol adhering to blood vessel walls. The dietary fiber in kelp can regulate the intestines and stomach, promote cholesterol excretion, and control cholesterol absorption. The calcium in kelp also helps reduce cholesterol absorption and lower blood pressure. The iodides in kelp can accelerate the excretion of pathological substances and inflammatory exudates, and have a blood pressure-lowering effect, prevent arteriosclerosis, and promote the excretion of harmful substances. Kelp can be juiced, cold mixed, boiled into soup, or stir-fried to be consumed.
6. Bitter melon
Bitter melon contains various essential nutrients for the human body, such as carotene, niacin, alpha-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, and bitter melon extract. Its bitter and cold nature makes it effective in clearing heat, detoxifying, calming the mind, and reducing blood pressure. Bitter melon can be juiced, cold mixed, boiled into soup, or stir-fried as a dish. Bitter melon contains oxalic acid, which hinders calcium absorption. Before stir-frying, it should be blanched in boiling water to remove the oxalic acid before cooking. People with weak spleen and stomach should consume it with caution.
7. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The red roots of spinach contain vitamin K, which is lacking in most fruits and vegetables, and helps prevent and treat bleeding tendencies in the skin and internal organs. Spinach can be stir-fried, cold mixed, used as a filling, or stewed in soup. It is particularly suitable for hypertensive patients with constipation, headaches, dizziness, and flushed faces. Note: Do not consume with tofu.
