12 Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

Learning that you have high blood pressure (hypertension) can come as a shock since the condition typically has no symptoms. The good news is that some lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

One of the key lifestyle factors? What you eat. Your diet can affect your blood pressure either positively or negatively.

This article will explain how you can manage your blood pressure through diet, including foods that may help reduce blood pressure as well as foods to avoid if you have hypertension. I’ll also discuss other ways to naturally manage blood pressure so you can keep your heart as healthy as possible.

How Diet Affects Blood Pressure

Your food choices can have a significant impact on your blood pressure in positive and negative ways. Eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can help manage blood pressure.

On the other hand, eating a lot of red meat, fried foods, salt, and added sugars can contribute to high blood pressure.

The DASH diet

Created in the 1990s, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or prehypertension (systolic pressure of 120–139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 80–89 mm Hg). 

The diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds, beans, nuts, and low-fat dairy. These foods are high in fiber, potassium, and other nutrients that support heart health. The DASH diet also calls for reducing the consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy, sweets, and other foods and drinks high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.

12 Foods for High Blood Pressure 

Certain foods appear to be beneficial for blood pressure. Consider adding the foods below to your diet on a regular basis.

Leafy greens

Eating one cup of raw leafy greens or a half-cup of cooked greens a day may help lower systolic blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, a recent study of more than 53,000 adults found. The researchers credit the nitrates in leafy greens. The body converts nitrates to nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and dilate, in turn improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

Beneficial leafy greens include: 

• Kale
• Beet greens
• Turnip greens
• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach
• Cabbage 
• Swiss card

Amaranth 

Amaranth is a nutrient-rich whole grain that may help lower blood pressure and support your body’s nutrient needs. This grain is richer in dietary fiber, proteins, lipids, and minerals than many others.

Animal studies suggest that amaranth has antihypertensive benefits and may reduce blood pressure. Plus, a 2017 review indicates that increasing how much you eat whole grains may lower the risk of hypertension by 15%.

Carrots

Carrots are delicious, filling, and nutritious. If you need another reason to make them a regular diet, here’s one.  Studies suggest that they may help maintain healthy blood pressure. 

Carrots contain vitamins, polyphenols, fiber, and minerals, making them highly beneficial for protecting heart and metabolic health. 

Tomatoes and some tomato products

Tomato products are another healthy food you should include in your diet for lowering blood pressure. Tomatoes contain ​​carotenoids, minerals, vitamin A, calcium, and other nutrients that support physical and mental health and help prevent heart problems. 

A 2019 study suggests unsalted tomato juice intake may help lower blood pressure in people with untreated prehypertension or hypertension. Likewise, a 2021 review observed that tomato extract might lower blood pressure in healthy people and people with high blood pressure. 

Broccoli

Studies suggest that having more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may protect against heart problems. Broccoli contains significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber and may help prevent chronic diseases like heart conditions and cancers.

In particular, a study observed that having four servings or more a week of broccoli, carrots, raisins, carrots, soybeans, and raisins is tied to a lower risk of high blood pressure. The study suggests that having more fruits and vegetables like broccoli for a long time may reduce a person’s high blood pressure risk. 

Berries

Consuming berries has been linked to reduced cardiovascular risk, and blueberries in particular may lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.

Scientists believe the anthocyanins—plant compounds that give foods a blue, purple, or red hue—play a key role in the heart benefits of berries.

Red beets

Like leafy greens, red beets contain high levels of nitrates.  Several studies concluded that drinking beetroot juice appears to lower blood pressure in both healthy people and those with prehypertension and hypertension. Eating beets may have similar benefits.

Skim milk and yogurt

Skim milk is made by removing fat from whole milk. Studies have shown that consuming skim milk may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. This may be because of the calcium, potassium, or other nutrients such as protein.  Or it may be that people who consume low-fat dairy have healthier lifestyles overall. High dairy intake in the form of yogurt also is associated with a 10% lower risk of hypertension in adults.  However, this too is likely due not to the yogurt itself but to the fact that people who eat yogurt tend to eat healthier, heart-friendly diets.

Oatmeal

Oats are famously rich in fiber, notably a fiber called beta-glucan, which appears may help lower high blood pressure.

Studies have shown that people with hypertension who add oats to their diet can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

In one study, doing so reduced systolic blood pressure by 7.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mm Hg. 

Bananas 

Bananas are known for their potassium: A medium fruit provides about 9% of the daily recommended intake of this mineral.

Potassium helps manage hypertension by reducing sodium in the body and easing tension in the walls of the blood vessels. 

However, if you have kidney disease, your body may not be able to remove extra potassium as effectively, so speak with your healthcare provider before attempting to consume more potassium. 

Salmon and other fatty fish

Some evidence suggests that consuming salmon and other fatty fish may help reduce blood pressure in certain populations. Scientists believe the omega-3 fatty acids in fish—particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—cause this change, though it’s unclear how this happens.  It’s best to stick with fish like salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel, and lake trout, because there’s mixed evidence that fish-oil supplements provide the same benefit.

Seeds

Flaxseed, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of potassium, magnesium, and fiber and therefore may help to lower blood pressure. Be sure to choose unsalted seeds for the most benefit.

Dark chocolate 

Dark chocolate has been shown to lower high blood pressure. Scientists believe compounds in cocoa called flavanols boost the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Pistachios 

Pistachios are a source of fiber, plant protein, healthy fats, potassium, and magnesium, all of which are good for the heart. This combination may be why the nuts may help lower blood pressure.

In one small study, adults who consumed 10% of their daily calories from pistachios reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.8 mm Hg. If you consume 2,000 calories a day, 10% of your calories is a little more than a one-quarter cup of pistachios.

Pomegranate 

Evidence suggests that pomegranate juice may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The fruit appears to reduce the activity of angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE). ACE narrows blood vessels, in turn increasing blood pressure.

Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is the least processed olive oil. One review concluded that consuming extra-virgin olive oils helps to reduce blood pressure thanks to its high amounts of oleic acid (a fatty acid) and antioxidants called polyphenol.

Foods to Avoid With High Blood Pressure

If you have hypertension, avoiding (or at least significantly reducing) certain foods may help manage your condition and prevent further problems. Be mindful of your intake of the nutrients and foods below.

Sodium

Consuming excessive salt (a.k.a. sodium chloride) causes the body to retain more water, which increases blood volume. Added blood volume may cause blood pressure to rise, putting stress on the heart and blood vessels.  If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend consuming no more than 1,500 mg of sodium daily.

You can reach this goal by:

• Eating low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of packaged foods like soup, tomato sauce, chips, crackers, nuts, and canned beans, vegetables, and fruit.
• Flavoring home-cooked meals with herbs and spices rather than salt.
• Asking waiters that meals prepared in restaurants be made with no salt.
• Not using the salt shaker at home or when dining out.

At the same time, try to consume more potassium. Doing so can help you pee out more sodium, and the mineral also helps relax blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure.  One note of caution: Too much potassium can be harmful to anyone with kidney disease. In this case, talk to your healthcare provider before consuming any extra potassium. 

Caffeine

Caffeine causes a sudden spike in blood pressure in healthy people; in those with hypertension, this spike may last for longer than three hours.  While there’s no evidence of long-term effects on blood pressure, it’s best to consume caffeine in moderation and monitor how your body reacts. You may find that it’s best to cut out caffeine completely.

Alcohol 

Drinking more than 1-2 alcoholic beverages a day is associated with hypertension.  

There are several possible explanations: Alcohol may impair the functioning of blood vessels, reduce the availability of nitric oxide, disrupt vascular function, and/or throw off the balance of hormones that regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.

Red meat

Eating a lot of red meat has been directly linked to higher blood pressure. It’s unclear exactly why. Red meat contains advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs), which appear to make the arteries stiffer, leading to higher blood pressure.  

Red meat also contains other compounds that cause inflammation, which is associated with increased blood pressure. Eating some red meat seems to be OK, but it’s best to eat no more than half a serving (1.25 ounces) a day.

Fried food

Consuming high amounts of fried food may increase blood pressure. The culprit? Likely high levels of salts and saturated fats. Consider steaming, grilling, roasting, or baking food instead.

Other Ways to Naturally Manage Your Blood Pressure

Food and medication aren’t the only ways to manage blood pressure. Other lifestyle changes can help support healthy blood pressure.

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise strengthens the heart and reduces stress, both of which may help with hypertension. 

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, such as: 

• Walking
• Hiking
• Jogging 
• Swimming 
• Stair-climbing

Being active for at least a few minutes every day is better than trying to fit hours of exercise into one or two days a week. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before starting any fitness routine.

Quit smoking

The nicotine in cigarettes increases heart rate and narrows arteries, raising blood pressure. Additionally, nicotine causes the artery walls to harden, which can lead to heart disease. 

Quitting smoking benefits your health in numerous ways. If you need help:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about medication and other ways to cope with nicotine withdrawal.
• Find a support group.
• Identify your smoking triggers and make plans to avoid them.
• Avoid situations where you’ll be tempted to smoke.

Reduce stress

While short-term stress leads to a sudden spike in blood pressure, it’s unclear if chronic stress has a direct effect on blood pressure. Still, stress management can benefit mental and physical health in many ways.

Consider the following ideas: 

• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or journaling.
• Watch a comedy show or something else to make you laugh.
• Head outside without your phone for time in nature.
• When a stressful situation arises, pause and take three deep breaths.
• Seek help from a therapist.

Get proper sleep

Adults need about seven hours of sleep each night. During that rest, blood pressure decreases. Too little sleep means blood pressure remains elevated for longer and increases the risk of hypertension.  

Research also links sleep disorders such as sleep apnea with higher blood pressure. Increase your chances of a sound night’s sleep by going to bed at the same time each night, reducing screen time and caffeine consumption, and following a relaxing bedtime routine.

Monitor blood pressure levels regularly

Since high blood pressure rarely presents with noticeable symptoms, it’s very important to have regular readings. You can have your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office or many pharmacies. Keeping track will give you a heads up if you should talk to your doctor about your blood pressure.

Manage High Blood Pressure Online

K Health offers affordable and convenient access to highly qualified doctors to treat and manage high blood pressure, as long as you are not having a hypertensive crisis.

You can talk to a K Health doctor from the comfort of your own home, all while knowing that you’re getting individualized and expert care.