Fruits that Lower Blood Pressure

Prunes : Prunes are sweet to taste, and have a sticky, chewy texture. A quarter cupful of prunes contains 316.6 mg of potassium and only 1.7 mg of sodium.Potassium is essential to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function as well as prevent atherosclerosis (clotting of blood in the blood vessels), whereas a low level of sodium can help lower high blood pressure.

  

Bananas : Also high in potassium, bananas help remove excess sodium from the body.

Apricots : Apricot is a very good source of potassium and vitamin A. With 2202 mg (63 percent DV) of potassium in a cup (119 g of cubes) of dehydrated apricot, it is perhaps one of the best foods that have potassium in them. It is very low in sodium content as well as saturated fat and cholesterol.

Oranges and Lemons : Citrus fruits are best known for their high vitamin C content. Oranges are high in nutrition and low in calories. With a potassium content of 326 mg and no sodium, this is one of the best fruits that lower blood pressure. Limes, too, are a good source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and folate. They contain 2.8 g of dietary fiber.

Grapefruits : This fruit has a distinctive, tangy taste. Select ripe grapefruits for best flavor and quality. The bioflavonoids present in grapefruit and other citrus fruits not only help lower blood pressure but also help lower cholesterol levels. Half a grapefruit (123 g) contains 166 mg of potassium and provides 5 percent of daily recommended value for potassium.

Melons : Melons are a rich source of potassium and magnesium, which aids in bringing down the blood pressure. The carotenoids present in the melon, prevent the hardening and narrowing of the walls of arteries and veins, thereby reducing the chances of constricted flow of blood through them. Both, watermelon and muskmelon are fruits that help lower blood pressure.

Berries : Berries like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Blueberries contain a compound known as pterostilbene which helps in preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Tomatoes : Tomatoes are a good source of potassium and calcium, and contain many vital vitamins like A, C and E. They contain lycopene, an antioxidant, which is known to help lower high blood pressure. Lycopene prevents LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol from sticking to the walls of the blood vessels, which in turn prevents the heart from raising blood pressure.