Which Foods are Beneficial for High Blood Pressure?

In this shloka, the qualities of Arjuna herb are explained.
Meaning: Arjuna herb is an astringent, with cool potency, beneficial for heart and is useful in healing wounds, tuberculosis, blood disorders, diabetes mellitus and is also helpful in alleviating pitta and Kapha Dosha.

(Reference: Bhaavprakash, page number 511, shloka no. 26 and 27)

As per Ayurveda Aspect

Hypertension has not been specifically described in Ayurvedic texts. But it is correlated to the agnidushti which results in the ama formation and subsequent dhatudushti (tissue elements)- (Rasa and rakta). Dhatudushti may lead to the Kha vaigunya i.e., obstruction in the body channels. The production of ama results in the obstruction (srotorodh) that particularly blocks the normal rasa and rakta circulation which further vitiates the Vayana Vayu (a type of Vata dosha). This obstructed Vayana Vayu results in the forcible flow of blood in the blood vessels causes an increase in resistance, thereby increases the blood pressure.

Doshas Involved In The Increase of Blood Pressure

1. Prana and Vyana Vayu
2. Saadhak pitta
3. Avlambak Kapha

Symptoms According To Ayurveda

• Shiroruk (headache)
• Bhram (dizziness)
• Hrid-drav (heart palpitation)
• Klama (fatigability)

As Per Modern Aspect

This pathophysiology of hypertension resembles with shonita dushti nidan (causes of impure blood) and Lakshana (symptoms) along with the involvement of prana and vyana Vayu, Sadhak pitta, and avalambak Kapha. Hence it is correlated with hypertension.

Lifestyle-related diseases are referred to as the diseases that result because of the choices that an individual makes in his life. These diseases inclined towards unhealthy food habits, stress, leading a sedentary lifestyle and other unhealthy habits like excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. This lifestyle results in a higher level of risk factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension). It refers to the force that blood exerts on the arterial walls as it flows through them. When this pressure reaches the high levels then it may lead to serious health problems.

What are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

The regulation of blood pressure is carried out by myocardial contractility that pumps the heart continuously and ejects the blood from ventricles into the blood vessels. The heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood around the body to supply it to the muscles and its cells. This action of pumping creates pressure. It means if the person has high blood pressure then the arterial walls are constantly under too much of force.

1. Stress and anxiety is a major cause of high blood pressure.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption
3. Obesity- in this condition the pressure on the heart increases due to which the size of the heart enlarges and finally the heart fails.

What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Individuals with high blood pressure will not experience any symptoms and for this reason, it is called as the silent killer.

Symptoms Related to High Blood Pressure

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurring of vision
• Bleeding from nose
• Heart palpitations
• Breathlessness

Children May Have the Following Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Blurring of vision
• Bleeding from nose
• Bell’s palsy (refers to the inability to control the facial muscles on one side of the face)

Newborn and Young Babies with High Blood Pressure may Experience

• Seizures
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Respiratory distress

Foods Which are Beneficial for High Blood Pressure

1. Banana

The high potassium content present in banana helps to lessen the effect of sodium which regulates blood pressure. Regular intake of banana and other potassium-rich foods reduce the risk of heart stroke and heart-related diseases. So along with banana, you can take dried apricots, raisins, spinach, orange juice, currants, zucchini, and cantaloupe. Intake of these fruits can control high blood pressure.

2. Garlic

Garlic offers the blood pressure lowering habits which relax the blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide which in turn lowers the blood pressure mainly the systolic blood pressure. It can improve blood circulation and lowers the cholesterol level. This also relaxes the blood vessels by instigating the hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide production that can prevent heart disease. Eat 2 to 3 cloves of garlic daily on an empty stomach.

3. Lemon

Lemon is a popular citrus fruit which can regulate the blood pressure. Its antioxidant vitamin C helps in neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals to a huge extent; thus, it is helpful in lowering the high blood pressure and reduces the high cholesterol levels. It is rich in potassium that lowers the blood pressure by reducing the effects of sodium. Drink a cup of warm water mixed with half lemon each morning on an empty stomach.

4. Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon has a vasodilatory property and the seeds present in it possess cucurbocitrin that can help to widen the blood capillaries. This fruit improves the kidneys function and reduces the chances of occurrence of bone-related problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, etc. This, in turn, reduces the level of blood pressure to a certain extent.

5. Coconut Water

Coconut water has become popular as a drink because of its natural ingredients, electrolytes and mineral content. This water contains potassium, magnesium and vitamin C which helps to lower down the systolic blood pressure level. Individuals with hypertension should keep their body hydrated. Because of the high potassium content, it has been studied for its effects in controlling the high blood pressure levels.

6. Potatoes

Potatoes are rich in phytochemicals that help to lower the blood pressure. In addition to this, they also contain magnesium and potassium that fight against hypertension and are vital nutrients for heart health. Some researchers have stated that purple potatoes help in the reduction of both systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension and obesity.

Some Useful Tips

1. Maintain a proper and healthy balanced diet
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Take proper rest and get the proper amount of sleep
4. Avoid salt containing diet
5. Do exercise regularly and decrease your body weight.
6. Avoid stress
7. Drink a cup of warm water with the ½ lemon juice added to it.
8. Grind dried watermelon seeds and poppy seeds each in equal quantity. Take a teaspoon of this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning.
9. Eat one to two garlic cloves once daily.