Foods That Control Hypertension

Approximately one in three Americans suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, aneurysms and kidney failure. Luckily, many foods can help to control hypertension if eaten regularly.

Bananas

• Due to the high levels of blood pressure-lowering potassium contained in them, bananas are one of the best food to eat to control hypertension.

Spinach

• Spinach also contains a fair amount of potassium and can help to reduce blood pressure when eaten regularly. Shoot for at least a 1/2-cup serving daily.

Soluble Fiber

• By reducing insulin resistance that causes high blood pressure to develop, most fruits and legumes, which are full of soluble fiber, are a good way to control hypertension if consumed on a daily basis as part of a healthy diet.

Insoluble Fiber

• Insoluble fiber found in most vegetables helps to inhibit weight gain, a leading risk factor for hypertension. One 4-ounce glass of pure vegetable juice, 1/2 cup cooked or raw veggies or 1 cup of salad is recommended for daily consumption to control hypertension.

Decaf Coffee

• Because caffeine can cause blood pressure to rise by increasing the effects of stress, it's best to avoid it as much as possible in the quest to control hypertension. Switch to decaf instead.

Spices and Herbs

• Too much salt can cause increases in blood pressure, so season your food with spices and herbs instead.