Blood pressure is the pressure of blood against the arteries and is primarily produced by the contraction of the heart muscle. Though you can’t typically feel if your blood pressure is out of range, it is important to know your numbers to keep it under control.
Watch this short video, then take action by trying out some of the health recipes listed out below!
5 Ways to Take Control of your Heart Health
5 Ways to Take Control of your Heart Health
Exercise Regularly
Follow the recommended health guidelines of exercising 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. By doing this consistently, you can lower and manage your blood pressure.
Avoid Tobacco & Nicotine Products
Smoking or using nicotine products raises blood pressure immediately. The chemicals contained in tobacco and nicotine products also deposit plaque, narrowing the artery walls and increasing blood pressure.
Manage your stress
Limit Alcohol
Try Heart Healthy Recipes / Dash Diet
Additionally, consuming a heart healthy diet and reducing sodium levels can make an impact on your blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH diet) encourages you to reduce the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of foods rich in nutrients that help lower blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
By following the DASH diet, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure by a few points in just two weeks. Make your meals rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein and low-fat dairy.
Try out these recipes from Taste of Home below, or click below for more ideas!
