You all know that lack of exercise, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and not eating enough fruit and vegetables are all not good for you. These also significantly contribute to your chances of having a hypertension or stroke.

But there are simple, yet effective steps you can take to avoid that risk. Below are 8 fruits you should eat to prevent hypertension and stroke:

1. Bananas

This fruit is highly recommended by doctors to lower high blood pressure. This is due to its abundant potassium content. Potassium is believed to strengthen the cardiac contraction.

By taking potassium found bananas, high blood pressure will decline faster. Bananas can be eaten as a snack or mixed with yogurt and oatmeal.

2. Kiwi

Kiwi fruits with green flesh contains a substance similar to tomatoes and bananas, which is potassium. Also it contains vitamin C which acts as free radical scavengers.

Just one kiwifruit provides 9% of the potassium, 7% of the magnesium and 2% of the calcium, you need daily.

3. Oranges

An individual who eat two oranges juice daily, can help reduce blood pressure. BP-lowering effect can be seen, if you take them for 2-4 weeks in a row.

4. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a super healthy fruit that you can enjoy as a juice or raw. One study reported that drinking a cup of pomegranate juice at least once a day for four weeks, can help lower blood pressure.

Pomegranate juice is good with a healthy breakfast. But, make ure to check the sugar content in store-bought juices, as these added sugars can negate the health benefits.

5. Papaya

This tropical fruit is the most favorite fruit lowering blood pressure among individuals with hypertension. Besides containing potassium, papaya has a compound that is proven to reduce blood pressure known as flavonoids, in patients with hypertension.

6. Peaches and Nectarines

One medium peach or nectarine provides 8% of the potassium, 3% of the magnesium and 1% of the calcium you need daily.

Frozen unsweetened peach slices are a great alternative option to fresh peaches and nectarines on a high blood pressure diet. You can defrost ahead of time or, for smoothies, simply put in the blender.

7. Tomatoes

A Finnish study reported that high levels of lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, may be linked with a significantly reduced risk of stroke. The analysis, was published in Neurology, and followed 1,031 Finnish men aged 46-55. Those with the highest amount of lycopene levels were 55% less likely to have a stroke.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon contains lots of water, which is good for individuals with hypertension or high blood pressure. Watermelon can also prevent high blood pressure in individuals who have normal blood pressure.

Also, watermelon contains L-citrulline which can help in regulating and in lowering blood pressure. For its added benefit, this fruit contains amino acids that can prevent the onset of high blood pressure.

Source: 1mhealthtips.com
“8 Fruits to Prevent Stroke and Hypertension” by:Georgia Landry