Did you know there are minerals in tasty foods that can help to lower your blood pressure? Most people are aware of the bad effects of taking in too much salt (sodium chloride) on their blood pressure. Salt raises blood pressure. On the flip side, there are foods you can eat that can have the opposite effect and help lower and regulate your blood pressure. They work to counteract the salt you consume. Try to get a variety of some of the following foods every day as part of an overall healthy diet that is beneficial for blood pressure, heart, muscle and brain function, bone health and cancer prevention.
- Potassium: Found in bananas, oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, prunes, milk and yogurt.
- Magnesium: Found in almonds, cashews, peanuts, peanut butter, milk, yogurt, some wheat products, brown rice, raisins and spinach.
- Calcium: Found in diary Products (use non-fat or skim for less fat); milk, cheese and yogurt
