Back to blood pressure news index

Increase potassium to lower blood pressure

Including more potassium and minerals in your diet can help to lower blood pressure according to a new report published in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.

Researcher Mark Houston found a link between a greater intake of potassium, magnesium and calcium to lowering high blood pressure.

The high mineral diet

The report showed that a diet high in potassium had the greatest impact in lowering blood pressure. There was also evidence that a diet including magnesium and calcium also lowered blood pressure.

How to increase minerals in the diet

The researchers conclude that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, as well as increased exercise could help prevent high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.

The best sources of potassium include:

• Vegetables - especially potatoes, carrot and celery
• Fruits - especially avocados, dried apricots, dates and bananas
• Meat - especially chicken and fish
• Dairy products - especially yogurt and milk

Back to blood pressure news index