Eating healthy begins as the day starts. Consider the following food options if you want to make the best breakfast for healthy blood pressure.
High blood pressure (or hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease that affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. However, if you change your diet and eat certain foods, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing hypertension.
The following are eight different foods you can incorporate into your breakfast if you want to have healthy blood pressure.
1. Berries
Both strawberries and blueberries contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that serves as an antioxidant. Studies show that anthocyanins may help reduce the risk of hypertension by 8% – especially if they come from berries.
2. Bananas
What makes bananas stand out is their potassium content, which helps reduce the effects of sodium and relaxes blood vessels. However, if you have kidney disease, you should talk to your doctor about potassium since it may negatively affect you.
3. Beets
According to researchers, drinking beet juice can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. They believe beets are beneficial due to their high levels of inorganic nitrate, which helps improve circulation.
4. Dark Chocolate
Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate can benefit your health by reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension and prehypertension. If you want the health benefits, eat high-quality chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa and consume one square daily.
5. Kiwis
Studies show that eating kiwis daily can help reduce blood pressure levels in those with mildly elevated levels. Moreover, they are rich in vitamin C, which can also help improve blood pressure.
6. Watermelon
Besides being great for hot summer days, watermelons contain citrulline, an amino acid that helps promote blood flow. First, it converts into arginine; then it converts into nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.
7. Oats
Eating oatmeal or rolled oats can be beneficial due to their beta-glucan content, a type of fiber that may reduce cholesterol. In addition, this fiber may help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
8. Leafy Green Vegetables
Whether it’s cabbage, collard greens, kale, lettuce, or spinach, eating leafy greens can help manage blood pressure. These vegetables are rich in nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide once inside the body.
The Outlook
Breakfast doesn’t have to be an unhealthy combination of sugary cereals and pancakes. Instead, choose to eat healthy foods that will improve your blood pressure and overall health.
Furthermore, you can give your health an extra boost by taking daily supplements like L-arginine Plus. It contains l-citrulline, l-arginine, and key vitamins and minerals that promote your circulation and blood pressure health.
Give your heart health the support it needs and take L-arginine Plus along with a healthy breakfast in the morning.