Jasmine's Place Issue No. 16 - August 2015 | Page 16

HEALTH EATING
6
POWERHOUSE FOODS TO
LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Make a list of these foods and add
them to your grocery list - great stuff!
By Joanna Faillace
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 68
million Americans suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension each year.
Some of the most significant contributors to this “silent killer” are stress,
obesity, poor diet, genetics, smoking, an inactive lifestyle, and excessive sodium
and alcohol intake.
A normal blood pressure reading is generally 120 over 80 (120/80), but it is
considered high blood pressure (hypertension) when those numbers rise above
140/90.
A low sodium, low cholesterol diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables,
preferably organic, combined with a regular exercise program can help lower
high blood pressure and keep it down.
Here are six powerhouse foods that help lower high blood pressure:
1. Celery is a powerful anti-
inflammatory and strong diuretic that
can help significantly lower high blood
pressure. Aim for four to eight stalks
per day, including the leaves.
2. Pomegranate juice contains the
most potent antioxidants of all juices
and the hormone serotonin, which
helps to promote feelings of well-
being. Pomegranate juice helps lower
high blood pressure by relaxing the
arterial walls and allowing blood to
flow more freely.
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JASMINE'S PLACE
Stacy Spensley