Foods to Lower High Blood Pressure & Diabetes

Foods to Lower High Blood Pressure & Diabetes
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High blood pressure occurs when your blood puts a great force on your artery walls, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood and nutrient to organs. This can lead to heart problems and other serious conditions. Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar. This disease can lead to health complications such as kidney problems, blindness and improper nerve functioning. It is important to maintain a healthy diet that focuses on lowering blood pressure in order to be healthy. In addition, many foods can help prevent and manage your diabetes.

Whole Grains

Whole grains can be a healthy choice in order to help lower your blood pressure. Whole grains are low in sodium and contain fiber and a variety of nutrients. Good choices include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, barley and rye. Whole grains are part of the DASH diet, a diet aimed at reducing your blood pressure levels and stopping hypertension. Since whole grains are high in fiber they help supply a steady supply of energy to your body and prevent sugar highs or lows. These grains can lower your risk for heart disease and high blood sugar levels, both associated with diabetes.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also included on the DASH diet in order to help reduce your blood pressure levels. Vegetables are rich in nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium, and fiber that helps increase your satiety. In addition they are low in sodium, a common trigger of high blood pressure. Good choices include broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, peppers, mustard greens and kale. Focusing on vegetables can help prevent and relieve symptoms of diabetes. The fiber content and rich supply of vitamins and minerals can help normalize blood sugar levels, and this can manage diabetes.

Fruits

Fruits can help you lower your blood pressure since they are low in sodium and high in fiber. Good sources include apples, pears, berries, melons, bananas, grapes and peaches. These fruits contain a rich supply of heart-healthy nutrients such as potassium and magnesium and can contribute to a healthy body. Fruits are also a healthy carbohydrate source for the prevention and management of diabetes. Fruits can be included in a healthy diabetes diet care plan due to their high nutrient and fiber content that can normalize blood sugar levels. This can prevent or manage the onset of diabetic symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, blood sugar surges and other health problems.

References

Article reviewed by Contributing Writer Last updated on: Jan 4, 2011

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