Blood Pressure: 3 foods ‘to eat first’ that can help lower the attack

High blood pressure is very common, especially in older people. It usually doesn’t show any signs, so many people don’t even know they have it.

But it’s a serious problem. It puts extra pressure on your blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. If not treated, it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, kidney problems, and even dementia.

How to Reduce Blood Pressure Naturally

You can get big health benefits by lowering your blood pressure before needing medicine. A study showed that people who ate 110g of tomatoes every day — about a handful of cherry tomatoes or a quarter tin of chopped tomatoes — had a 36% lower risk of getting high blood pressure.

The study included 7,056 people and was published in the journal Hypertension by the American Heart Association. The reason for the benefit is linked to lycopene, a red antioxidant in tomatoes, and potassium.

Dietician Dr Linia Patel explained: “Tomatoes have potassium, which helps control body fluid and sodium levels. Lycopene also keeps blood vessels flexible.”

Natural yoghurt is another food that helps. A study in the International Dairy Journal found that one small 150g pot a day can help lower blood pressure in people who already have it.

Researchers believe the healthy bacteria in yoghurt help release proteins that lower blood pressure. Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert added: “Yoghurt also gives calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are all important for blood pressure control. Just make sure to pick plain, unsweetened yoghurt with no extra additives.”

If you like chilli con carne, you’re in luck. Kidney beans, especially the dark red ones, are great for lowering blood pressure. While all beans are helpful, red and black beans seem to be the best for keeping blood vessels healthy.

In a small study at the University of Manitoba in Canada, blood pressure dropped within two hours after eating red kidney beans, compared to eating rice. Dr Patel noted that canned beans give the same benefits as dried ones and don’t need soaking overnight.

Signs of High Blood Pressure

Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That’s why it’s often called a “silent killer.” The only sure way to know is to check your blood pressure with a cuff, either at a clinic or pharmacy.

But in rare cases, people with high blood pressure might notice:

Headaches

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Nosebleeds

Blurred or lost vision

Regular checkups are the best way to know your blood pressure and stay healthy.