8 Fruits That Naturally Lower Blood Pressure
- Here's a summary of the provided text, focusing on the key takeaways:
- * Potential Benefits: Pomegranates may improve blood flow, protect blood vessel cells from damage, and prevent plaque buildup.
- * add to existing foods: Mix into yogurt, cereal, smoothies, rice, stews, soups.
Pomegranate & Heart Health, plus Tips for Adding More Fruit to Your Diet – Summary
Here’s a summary of the provided text, focusing on the key takeaways:
Pomegranates & Heart Health:
* Potential Benefits: Pomegranates may improve blood flow, protect blood vessel cells from damage, and prevent plaque buildup.
* Blood Pressure: Studies (primarily on supplements, but also on juice) show pomegranate can lower blood pressure. The biggest blood pressure drop from juice was seen with consumption of less than 240ml.
* Other heart Markers: Pomegranate supplements have been shown to improve other heart health markers like blood lipid cholesterol.
* Critically important note: If you have hypertension or take medication, consult your doctor before taking pomegranate supplements, as they may interact with medication.
How to Incorporate More Fruit into Your Diet:
* add to existing foods: Mix into yogurt, cereal, smoothies, rice, stews, soups.
* Frozen/Canned: Convenient and nutritious (choose options without added sugar).
* Snack Smart: Combine with nuts (and dark chocolate for a trail mix).
* Juice Wisely: Opt for 100% fruit juice, avoiding “nectars” or “punches” with added sugar.
* Sweet Treat Swap: Choose fresh fruit or fruit-based recipes instead of processed sweets.
* Whole Fruit Focus: Prioritize whole fruits for their fiber content.
* Natural Sweetener: Use mashed bananas or applesauce in recipes as a sugar alternative.
How Much Fruit?
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