High blood pressure: Three nutrients that can lower blood pressure and where to find them
During older age, the blood vessels naturally lose their elasticity so they don’t stretch as well anymore. Stiffened arteries can lead to high blood pressure, so what can you do to minimise the harm done? The British Dietetic Association (BDA) said: “There is nothing we can do to stop our bodies ageing, but there are plenty of other lifestyle changes we can make.” This includes “changing our diet” to help control blood pressure within the body.
Three nutrients have been touted as beneficial in lowering blood pressure readings, and these are:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium and magnesium, so the BDA recommends everybody to eat “at least five portions” daily.
As for calcium, dairy foods are rich in this nutrient, but the BDA warned that some can be “high in saturated fat”.
That’s why it’s best to opt for “lower-fat” dairy products such as:
- Semi-skimmed milk
- Low-fat yoghurts
- Low-fat cheese.
READ MORE: Does hot weather raise your blood pressure levels?
