Everyday Foods That Help Reduce Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the biggest health threats to Americans, as it can lead to strokes and heart attacks. However, while many people already know that, few are aware their blood pressure is high (unless their doctor tells them) because there are usually no symptoms.

While leading an active lifestyle and cutting out smoking will most likely have a positive impact on hypertension (the medical word for high blood pressure), there are also some foods that are especially effective in taking off some pressure. Here are 13 of them…

1. Go Green

Eating your leafy greens has many nutritional benefits, but Healthline.com also notes it can help combat high blood pressure. Turns out Romaine lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard (among others) contain high levels of potassium, which in turn helps your body remove salt through urine. Less sodium means lower blood pressure, it adds.

It warns that canned vegetables can have added sodium, but be as rich in nutrients as their fresh counterparts (and easier to store frozen.) “You can also blend these veggies with bananas and nut milk for a healthy, sweet green juice,” it suggests.