Foods for People with High Blood Pressure

According to modern research, a healthy diet lowers your chances of developing high blood pressure, and can actually reduce an existing high blood pressure problem. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, is an in-depth study of the effects of certain foods on high blood pressure.

The study showed that high blood pressure levels were reduced by consuming vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy, along with foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat. A program was developed called the "DASH-eating plan," which involves avoiding red meat, sugary beverages, and rich desserts, while encouraging the consumption of fish, poultry, whole grains, and nuts.

Another study was done along the same lines called the "DASH-Sodium plan," which studied the effectiveness of lowering dietary sodium on high blood pressure. The study showed a marked difference in those who reduced their dietary sodium and those who did not. The study also showed that reducing dietary sodium is a good choice for general overall health.
With today's fast paced world, it's not always possible to eat at home and we have to decide what to order from a restaurant menu. High fat, sodium and sizable portions can put you at risk. Therefore, focus on moderation.

You want to choose foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Asking to have your dish cooked with canola or olive oil rather than vegetable oil or butter, is not out of line. Many restaurants have these things and are happy to accommodate.

Choose a dish that isn't fried, especially deep-fried. Instead, select foods that are baked, steamed or broiled. Go easy on the bread and butter, or skip them altogether. Remove skin and fat from poultry and meat dishes and keep your portions down.

It's difficult to leave food on your plate. The fact that you paid for it probably doesn't mean as much as the simple waste involved. No one likes to waste anything, especially food. Jesus Christ, the greatest role model of all, demonstrated this when He fed the multitudes.