We live in a world of increasingly high levels of stress. We also live in a world of instant food. You know - instant coffee, instant beef, instant noodles and instant milk. Now,the problem is that all these 'instant things' lead to high stress levels and also lead to increases in the blood pressure of the average Joe or Jane.

Now, since high blood pressure is not totally curable, we have to learn to live it. We have to learn to control blood pressure to safe levels. One very effective way of doing this is to watch what we eat.

First, let us list the foods that people with high blood pressure should not take. These include coffee, alcoholic drinks, kola-nuts, plenty of salt, plenty of sugar, soft drinks and canned foods.

The best foods for people with high blood pressure include the ones discussed below:

FRUITS
Fruits are just tailor-made for people with high blood pressure. They are natural, safe and have no side effects whatsoever. Examples of the best fruits to feast on include apples, avocados, water melon, pears, bananas, oranges and cantaloupes.

VEGETABLES
If you are battling with blood pressure, vegetables are great for you as well. Under this category, I recommend beans, peanuts, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, broccoli and soy beans. For good measure, you can also add a healthy dose of safe spices, like celery, onion, garlic, sweet basil, black peppers and oregano. All these are great for you. Please note that for maximum benefit, it is better you eat your fruits and vegetable raw as cooking destroys some of the beneficial properties of these foods.

Other foods that are safe for high blood pressure sufferers include potatoes [boiled or baked is preferable to fried] fish, chicken and milk. Milk in particular is very good as it has a calming effect on you. Again, it is important that you drink fresh unsweetened milk. Milk in a can or in a bottle may contain some preservatives which are not really good for you.

Finally, avoid fried and salty foods. Also cut out fatty foods, junk food and any food that contains caffeine. All these are bad for you. Smoking is a definite no, no no! It is bad for your heart and worse for your lungs.

High blood pressure is not a death sentence. It is just an inconvenience for most people but you can live with it. Eat in accordance with your health requirements and you will continue enjoy good health.

Learn more about this author, Emmanuel Osondu.
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