Minerals and Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that nutritional supplementation, particularly with potassium, calcium and magnesium (non-chloride salts), along with antioxidants and zinc, can help reduce hypertension.
Sodium and Potassium
In order to reduce blood pressure sodium intake must be restricted while potassium intake is increased.
Individuals with high blood pressure should be aware of hidden salt in processed foods.
Although their salt intake is comparable, vegetarian generally have less hypertension and cardiovascular than non-vegetarian because their diet contain more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A and C.
According to expert, regular consumption of potassium-rich-fruits such as avocadoes, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit, nectarine, orange and vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, potatoes and squash can lower high blood pressure.
Steaming rather than boiling vegetables helps prevent vital nutrient loss.
Calcium
Calcium has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive.
Because many with high blood pressure have a lower daily calcium intake than people with normal blood pressure, calcium rich foods, including nits and leafy green vegetables such as watercress and kale, should also supplement the diet.
A recent analysis of the research on calcium and hypertension shows that either increasing calcium in the diet or using calcium supplements will usually have a positive effect in systolic blood pressure.
Magnesium
In one study, magnesium supplementation lowered blood pressure in 19 of 20 hypertensive. Dietary magnesium is found in nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans), rice, bananas, potatoes, wheat germ, kidney and lima beans soy products and molasses.
Antioxidants and Zinc
Research has found that antioxidants are linked to an increase in nitric oxide activity.
Nitric oxide helps open blood vessels which in turn may help lower blood pressure.
Zinc may helpful because it activates superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme.
Minerals and Blood Pressure
