The 11 Best Foods for High Blood Pressure, According to Experts - AOL.com

What the report says

Prevention.com reports that physicians and dietitians recommend a food-first approach for people looking to help manage high blood pressure, emphasizing patterns associated with the DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The article cites Marwah Abdalla, a cardiologist at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center; Maya Feller, a New York-based dietitian; and Melissa Prest of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The foods highlighted include low-fat or fat-free yogurt, berries, leafy greens, garlic, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, salmon, avocado, quinoa, broccoli and unsalted pumpkin seeds. Prevention says these foods are useful because many provide nutrients tied to blood-pressure regulation, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The article also notes that berries may support nitric oxide production, garlic contains allicin, and fatty fish such as salmon are recommended by the American Heart Association for their omega-3 content.

The guidance is framed around broader eating habits rather than single “cure” foods. Prest says diets high in salt can contribute to higher blood pressure, while fruit- and vegetable-rich diets are often linked with lower readings. Abdalla describes the DASH plan as centered on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and high-fiber foods. Feller says lifestyle changes combined with DASH-style eating may help some people manage blood pressure over about three months.

The article also advises caution with certain choices, such as salted pumpkin seeds, and notes that garlic supplements are not generally recommended for hypertension because evidence is limited. As general background, people with high blood pressure should consult a clinician before changing treatment or relying on diet alone, especially if they take prescribed medication.