10 Drinks That Lower Your Blood Pressure
If you struggle with hypertension, odds are you’ve looked high and low for a quick and easy way to reduce your blood pressure.
The truth is that there’s no single solution, but making simple changes can yield powerful results. Something as easy as expanding and evolving your beverage intake can help to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
While lower blood pressure may not be just a sip away, simple changes to what you sip every day can lead to some big heart health benefits.
Here are a few options to get you started.
Water
Do you know what makes up 73 percent of the human heart? (Hint: We already gave you a hint.) The answer is water, which is why when it comes to blood pressure health, no other beverage beats it.
If you’re looking to up the benefits, studies have shown that adding minerals such as magnesium and calcium to water can further aid in lowering blood pressure.
Alcohol
The hard truth about alcohol and healthy blood pressure is that they don’t go together (not even red wine). You won’t be able to lower your blood pressure at your local pub.
However, if you’re a regular drinker, reducing your intake to a moderate level—one drink a day for women and two for men—can help to lower your blood pressure.
Coffee
On the opposite end of stimulating beverage spectrum lies that morning cup of joe. If you have the time and determination, you can find a study on coffee that appears to back up any health claim your heart desires. So, is coffee good for your blood pressure? The answer is yes and no.
It’s complicated because everyone responds differently to caffeine. Basically, if coffee makes you feel better and more active, it can help with your overall health and your heart health. If it makes you feel jittery and anxious, it may be time to cut back.
Tea
This beverage is simply steeped in health benefits. Long term consumption (more than 12 weeks) has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, which are proven to aid in cardiovascular health.
Milk
In a world of ever-expanding vegan options, milk no longer just means cow’s milk. From almond to oat, there’s a dizzying number of options each with their pros and cons.
The common hidden danger amongst these new milk options is added sugar, which can increase your blood pressure. Looking for unsweetened options will give you all the benefits without the risks of heightened sugar consumption. And for those who still prefer good, old-fashioned cow juice – calcium is a proven ally to a healthy heart.
Juice
Amidst the health benefits of juice lies the risks associated with sugar and salt consumption. For example, research has shown that drinking tomato juice can help lower blood pressure, but only the unsalted variety.
On the slightly sweeter side, a 2012 study showed that drinking one cup of pomegranate juice a day for 28 days can help lower high blood pressure.
Carbonated Beverages
No matter what you call it—soda, pop, soda pop, coke—this sugary drink is not only the first thing you probably think of when you think of carbonated beverages, it is also bad news for your health, and that includes your blood pressure.
However, drinking unsweetened, low-sodium sparkling water can help you skip the sugar while still getting your fizzy fix.
Kombucha
Odds are you’ve seen this “it” drink slowly infiltrating the outer edges of your grocery store. You may have even tried it in an attempt to appear “in the know.”
However, the benefits of kombucha (fermented tea) lie not in the “coolness factor”, but in the probiotics. Countless studies have shown that regular consumption (more than eight weeks) of probiotics can help to reduce blood pressure and even help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Smoothies
To be clear, smoothie is not a synonym for milkshake, and not all smoothies are created equal. Blending up some heart healthy fruits and vegetables like bananas, blueberries, beets, avocados, and kale is an easy way to pack a bunch of health benefits into one easily portable meal. Plus, you’ll look like one of those fancy people who live in athleisure wear and regularly go to yoga (which is also good for your blood pressure).
Infused Water
Yes, we’re beginning and ending with H2O — it’s that important.
Adding a little flavor can not only make getting your eight glasses a day easier, it can also add some additional benefits. Citrus, such as lemon and limes, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and has the added benefit of adding a little flavor to a boring glass of water.
