Foods That Have Positive Effects on High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure forces your heart to pump harder to keep the blood moving through your arteries and that extra strain could shorten your life by leading to cardiovascular disease or heart failure. If your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90, you might want to consider adding a few of the foods below to your diet to bring those numbers down.

Spices Instead of Salt

• Add flavor to your food without grabbing the salt shaker. Instead, opt for healthier choices, such as basil, sage and ginger.

Add More Fiber

• A recent study from Tulane University found eating between 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily could decrease blood pressure. Foods high in fiber include vegetables, whole grain breads and apples.

Fish Oil Supplements

• Omega-3 fatty acids found in some types of fish can lower blood pressure. A review of 17 studies found taking fish oil supplements equaling at least 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce your blood pressure numbers.

Drink Beet Juice

• A British study found that drinking 2 cups of beet juice daily could lower high blood pressure thanks to the nitrates the juice contains.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

• Some reports, including many anecdotes, report blood pressure reduction after increasing intake of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar works great as a salad dressing.