1. BeetRoot
Beets are high in **nitrate (nitric oxide)**, which helps open your blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that consuming beet juice lowers blood pressure within just 24 hours. Although beet juice might not taste the best, it is still one of the best sources.
2. Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in natural compounds that help lower blood pressure. One study found that consuming these might help prevent long term hypertension and help lower blood pressure.
3. Garlic
Garlic is rich in **nitrate (Nitric Oxide)** which helps reduce hypertension by increasing your overall circulation in the body. Nitric oxide helps promote **vasodilation**, or the widening of arteries, to reduce blood pressure. [Image of garlic cloves]
---What is blood pressure and why is it important?
Blood pressure is the force at which blood is being pumped by your heart, traveling blood is being pressed against the walls of the arteries. When you go to get your blood pressure checked, the doctor is checking how hard the blood is being pushed against the walls of the arteries.
It is important because as soon as we start developing high blood pressure we start to increase our risk of getting a heart attack, stroke, hardening of the arteries, muscle cramps, erection problems for men, lightheaded, dizziness and so on…. You want to be around the **120/80 range** to keep your arteries, heart, body, and blood circulation healthy.
What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
**Systolic blood pressure** refers to the measurement of blood pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pushes blood. **Diastolic blood pressure** is when your heart muscle relaxes in between heartbeats.
Why is it important to have healthy blood pressure?
Blood Pressure is the leading cause of heart strokes in the United States. Heart Strokes are the leading cause of death in the United States. So if you want to help solve the problem its best to start at the source "high blood pressure". According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 4 people live with hypertension, and most of them don't even realize it.
---Research Source:
