Can Green Smoothies Lower Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you might be wondering whether you should make smoothies to lower your pressure. High blood pressure is a sign that something isn’t right in your body, but it is a condition that can be managed with the right lifestyle choices. You can also read our article on smoothies for high blood pressure to learn more about how smoothies can regulate your body.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are loaded with potassium and magnesium, which work together to control your blood pressure. Aside from being low-calorie, they are also an excellent source of fiber, which aids in improving glucose levels. Try adding them to smoothies, omelets, and sandwiches. You can even juice them!
Consuming leafy greens regularly can help lower your blood pressure and keep your waistline trim. These vegetables are high in nitrates, which help the kidneys get rid of excess sodium. In addition, leafy greens contain lots of potassium and magnesium, which balance the effects of sodium in the body. You can get these minerals by eating spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
Leafy greens can also lower your risk of heart disease. According to a study from the Edith Cowan University, a diet rich in nitrate-rich vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease. The study enrolled fifteen healthy young adults with an average age of 25. The participants were instructed to eat at least one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables every day. In addition, they were also given beetroot juice daily, which is commonly used to boost dietary nitrate levels.
Potassium in greens
There are a number of foods that contain potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. Bananas, for example, are a popular source of potassium. One banana contains 420 milligrams of the mineral, which is 11 percent of your daily recommended intake. However, there are plenty of vegetables that are even higher in potassium. For example, a cup of Swiss chard has 960 milligrams. Another good source of potassium is a whole avocado.
Red beets contain nitrates, which help your blood vessels expand, and help pass sodium out of your body through urine. Fish, especially omega-3 fatty acids, can also help your blood vessels relax and contract. Using a smoothie that includes these foods may help lower your blood pressure.
A green smoothie with a high level of potassium can help manage high blood pressure. The potassium in bananas helps reduce the effects of sodium, thereby lowering blood pressure. A medium-sized banana has 422 milligrams of potassium, which is one-tenth of the recommended daily intake for adults. Those with high blood pressure should eat more potassium-rich fruits and vegetables.