High blood pressure is also called hypertension and is dangerous to your health because it makes your heart work harder to pump blood, it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke and can lead to kidney disease or blindness, reports the National Institutes of Health. Eating meat that still has the skin and that is very fatty can increase your risk of having high blood pressure so choosing the right ones is vital to the health of your heart.
Fish
Fish is leaner than red meat and doesn't contain the high amounts of saturated fat, making it a healthier choice if you are trying to lower your blood pressure. Fish should be grilled, broiled or roasted to cut down on the amount of cooking oil or fats that are needed to prepare it. A serving of fish is 3 oz and you should stick to two or fewer servings per day or in combination with other meat servings. Cold water fish is especially beneficial because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. Good choices include salmon, herring or mackerel, but tuna and shellfish are healthy options as well, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Poultry
The white meat of a chicken or turkey without the skin is low in calories and fat and is good meat to cook if you have high blood pressure. Removing the skin reduces the fat that the meat contains, which makes it healthier for your heart. MayoClinic.com recommends preparing turkey or chicken without added salt because high sodium levels in your body can result in high blood pressure. Herbs and spices are alternatives that usually don't contain salt and will add flavor to your meat. Poultry should be cooked using a technique that doesn't require large quantities of cooking fats, such as broiling, grilling or poaching.
Lean Meat
While red meat is a contributor to high blood pressure, the National Institutes of Health says that a 3 oz serving of lean red meat is okay even if this is the case. The trick is to choose cuts like sirloin that aren't marbleized and remove all visible fat. They should then be cooked without too much added butter or oil. Red meat cooks well on the grill or roasted in a crock pot and can be flavored in many ways that don't add additional sodium. However, processed meats should be avoided because they are often made from the unhealthier portions of the meat. Things to skip include hot dogs, smoked beef, and cold cuts. Lean pork is another choice that can be incorporated in moderation as long as it is not made into sausage or bacon.
