Are berries good for high blood pressure?

The fact is that berries are good for high blood pressure or as my partner says “berries are best” – and here’s why:

Red foods are often good for blood pressure, as the pigments which give foods their red colours contain substances which help lower blood pressure.

The pigments that have been studied the most in relation to cardiovascular health, and have the most medical evidence behind them, are anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple and blue colours of most berries, and a few other fruits like blood oranges and red apples. Hibiscus also contains anthocyanins – so try some hibiscus tea!

(Read more about the benefits of hibiscus for high blood pressure here: can hibiscus tea help lower blood pressure)

Anthocyanin are a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which seem to be particularly effective in alleviating, and protecting against, high blood pressure.

Several major studies have shown that people who eat more anthocyanins tend to have lower risk of high blood pressure and heart attack, while others have found eating more anthocyanins to be associated directly with lower blood pressure, and other cardiovascular benefits like more flexible arteries.

As well as the usual antioxidant effects of countering the damage of free radicals to the body and arteries, medical researchers believe anthocyanins may also help relax and dilate blood vessels.

 

More berry benefits

Berries are also fairly low in sugar, and even contain some protein and vitamin E, so are an ideal fruit for lowering blood pressure.

And their anthocyanins have other benefits too: clinical research has found increased consumption of berries and administration of anthocyanin extracts to be associated with reducing the mental decline associated with aging, protecting against cancer, and improving eyesight.

 

The best berries

The following berries are all rich in anthocyanins: acai berries, bilberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, hawthorn berries, raspberries, strawberries.

Blueberries get a lot of press for being good for the health, but raspberries, blackberries and other deep-coloured berries are equally anthocyanin-rich.

Exotic berries like acai berries are also highly hyped – and are incredibly good for you – but are more expensive and difficult to find. But really, any of the berries will be beneficial, so eat whichever ones you like best.

For more excellent blood pressure-lowering foods (and drinks), click here for our free report: Five superfoods which lower blood pressure (and don’t cost you the earth)

 

Berries for breakfast, lunch, dinner …

Researchers suggest that even one or two servings of berries a day can be enough to improve your cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Berries are a great snack of course, but you can use them in pretty much every meal, with a little imagination.

– try adding berries to porridge, muesli or cereal in the morning

– chuck a handful of berries in a salad

– gently fry some blueberries with beef or bison steak and a little maple syrup for a rich tasty sauce

– mix berries with natural yoghurt, or even cottage or ricotta cheese

– berries are delicious in smoothies and give them a great colour too

– berry juices are easy to find too

If you want to try acai berries, your best bet is a health food store. Acai berry is mostly available in a powdered form, and can be added a juice or smoothie.

When you’re buying berries, check their condition, as they can spoil quickly if they get squashed or kept in damp conditions. Also, don’t rinse them until you’re about to use them as the anthocyanins can leach out into water. Freezing them is a good way to store any you can’t eat right away.

To sum up, the answer to the question – Are berries good for high blood pressure? – is a resounding yes!

 

Lower your blood pressure naturally (for less cost)

In addition to berries there is a large choice of affordable natural ingredients that lower blood pressure. Many of these spices, herbs, berries, fruits, grains, vegetables, meats and drinks are available in local stores.

Of course there are other factors beyond diet (like fitness and stress) that affect your blood pressure. So the best way to lower your blood pressure without drugs is to apply a broader approach – covering all causes and cures with natural home-based remedies.

The guide contains simple and proven strategies for lowering your blood pressure and keeping it low through easy, effective and enjoyable changes in lifestyle.

These progressive steps are based on the principle that positive incremental change is always best in health matters.

Each chapter will take you further along the road of greater vigour and peace of mind (and a healthy blood pressure).

Click on the link below for more information:

Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally Guide

 

P.S. This guide shows you how to lower your blood pressure permanently and naturally without side-effects or complications.

Follow each step to get your blood pressure back in balance.

Choose between a wide range of delicious foods that reduce your blood pressure. Include a number of mental and physical exercises in your schedule for both relaxation and invigoration.

Following this guide will reduce, and in time, eliminate your need for blood pressure lowering medications.

This is a guide for good healthy living and will be beneficial for all – even if you don’t currently suffer from high blood pressure.

To download a sample of the guide to your computer right now click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for the download link.