Do Apricots Lower Blood Pressure?

Approximately one in every three American's has high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when an individual's blood pressure is higher than normal. Hypertension can be treated with medication and diet. In addition, certain foods, such as dried apricots, can help lower high blood pressure.

Description

• Blood pressure is the measure of how hard blood is pressing against artery walls. More specifically, it determines the amount of blood the heart is pumping in comparison with blood flow -- or the resistance of blood flow due to narrowing of the arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries are, the higher the individual's blood pressure will be.

Dried Apricots

• Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene, an important nutrient for heart health and lowering blood pressure, according to the "World's Healthiest Foods" by George Mateljan. In addition, dried apricots are fruits rich in fiber and potassium. Studies by the American Heart Association have shown that diets rich in fruits, fiber and potassium reduce blood pressure.

Beta-Carotene

• Beta-Carotene, an organic compound found in leafy greens as well as yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, helps protect LDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. from oxidation. This can help prevent heart disease such as hypertension, according to "World's Healthiest Foods."

Potassium

• Potassium, an essential mineral, helps keep blood pressure down, according to the American Heart Association. In fact, the American Heart Association's DASH. diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a diet high in potassium-rich foods such as dried apricots and bananas. Potassium affects the balance of fluids within the body. Therefore dried apricots, which are a good source of potassium, can help the body maintain fluid balance and normalize blood pressure and heart function.

Fiber

• Dietary fiber can treat and prevent most forms of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, according to the March 2005 issue of the Journal of Hypertension. High-fiber diets can also lower blood pressure and improve healthy blood pressure levels. Dried apricots and other plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes are also good sources of dietary fiber.