- High blood pressure could be reduced with potassium-rich fruits and vegetables
- These help restore the nutrient balance, helping the kidneys remove more fluids and lowering blood pressure
- High blood pressure sufferers should make diet and lifestyle changes to help lower their reading
High blood pressure could be lowered by eating a more balanced and healthy diet, according to experts.
But, what foods are best to add?
Sufferers aiming to lower high blood pressure should add apricots to their diet, medicinal website Healthline advised.
This is because they contain more potassium than other fruits.
“Increasing your potassium intake and cutting back on salt can also lower your blood pressure,” said Healthline on its website.
Apricots contain 259 milligrams of potassium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Potassium helps to lower high blood pressure, according to charity Blood Pressure UK, as it helps the kidneys.
“Potassium is a key mineral that the body relies on heavily to function properly,” they said online.
“It helps lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt.
The kidney uses a “delicate balance” of sodium, or salt, and potassium to extract fluids from the blood, reducing blood pressure.
“By eating more fruit and vegetables, you will increase your potassium levels and help to restore the delicate balance,” they continued. “This will help your kidneys to work more efficiently – and help to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level.”
Blood Pressure UK said eating two apricots, among other fruits and vegetables, every day could help lower blood pressure.
“Everyone should be aiming to eat at least five different portions of fruit and vegetables a day to help boost their potassium intake and lower their blood pressure.
“A portion is roughly 80 grams, or roughly the size of your fist.
“Eating two apricots, plums or satsumas, for example, would count as one of your five-a-day.”
Other potassium-rich foods that could help lower blood pressure include bananas.
High blood pressure is diagnosed when levels are above 140/90 mmHg on average.
To work out whether someone has high blood pressure, readings should be taken 10 times in a day over several days.
It is important to treat high blood pressure, as the condition could shorten someone’s life.
This is because it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
People who are overweight, or eat a high-salt diet are more at risk of the condition.