Tasty Morning Smoothie for High Blood Pressure

 

Tasty morning smoothie jar

Ditch your morning coffee and start your day with this tasty and healthy potassium-packed smoothie to control high blood pressure, also called hypertension. You can enjoy this smoothie for overall health even if you do not suffer from high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to damage to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of your body. To keep it in check, it is essential to modify your diet and lifestyle.

For example, experts recommend that people with high blood pressure eat a balanced and nutritious diet,restrict sodium intake, limit alcohol intake, cut back on caffeine, exercise regularly, watch their waistline and reduce stress in their life.

Eating foods rich in vitamin C and potassium are particularly beneficial. Several studies have found that these nutrients help lower blood pressure.

The antioxidant vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and relax the blood vessel walls. It works as a diuretic to remove excess sodium and water from the body. Potassium also helps reduce blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure as it increases the excretion of sodium.

So, for a healthy dose of vitamin C, we have included fresh strawberries and kiwi in this smoothie. Strawberries also contain potassium. Plus, bananas are a good source of potassium. We have also added ground flaxseed for its fiber content.

Dairy products add to the health benefits of this smoothie. In fact, a 2013 study published in the journal Nutrition Reviews found that people who consumed at least three servings of dairy products a day had lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart disease. This recipe includes skim milk and low-fat yogurt.

You can also add garden cress to enhance the smoothie’s flavor. Plus, this herb is rich in vitamins A, C and K, and offers cardiovascular benefits.

How to make a healthy breakfast smoothie for high blood pressure

tasty morning smoothie for high BP ingredients

Things you will need:

  • Skim milk
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Strawberries
  • A banana
  • A kiwi
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Garden cress (optional)
  • A knife
  • A blender
  • Measuring cups

Steps

1. Pour ½ cup of skim milk into a blender.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 1

2. Add ½ cup of low-fat yogurt.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 2

3. Toss in ½ cup of sliced strawberr

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 3

4. Slice 1 banana into it.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 4

5. Add the chunks of 1 peeled kiwi.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 5

6. Add a spoonful of ground flaxseeds.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 6

7. Blend the mixture for a couple of minutes.

8. Optionally, chop and add a little garden cress and blend again.

tasty morning smoothie step 8

9. Pour the smoothie into a glass.

tasty morning smoothie for high BP step 9