HEART-HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE
7 Foods for Management of High Blood Pressure at Home
Simple food choices that can fit into a heart-conscious
everyday eating routine.
Can Your Diet Support Healthy Blood Pressure?
What you eat can be an important part of a heart-healthy
lifestyle. Foods rich in potassium, fiber and other nutrients
can fit into a balanced eating pattern.
Here are seven nutritious foods you can consider adding to
your meals at home.
DISCOVER MORE HEALTH TIPS →
FOOD 1 OF 7
Bananas
Bananas are a convenient fruit and provide potassium,
an essential mineral involved in fluid balance and
normal cardiovascular function.
- Easy to add to breakfast
- Convenient snack
- Contains potassium
- Naturally sweet
Easy idea:
Slice a banana over oatmeal or plain yogurt for a
simple breakfast.
FOOD 2 OF 7
Oats
Oats are a useful source of soluble fiber and can be
part of a balanced, heart-conscious breakfast.
- Contains soluble fiber
- Easy to prepare
- Works well with fruit
- Can be enjoyed without added sugar
Easy idea:
Prepare plain oatmeal and top it with berries,
banana or nuts.
FOOD 3 OF 7
Spinach and Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach provide potassium,
folate, fiber and other nutrients that can fit well
into a heart-healthy eating pattern.
- Add spinach to salads
- Mix it into soups
- Add leafy greens to sandwiches
- Use fresh greens with meals
Easy idea:
Add a handful of fresh spinach to an omelet,
soup or smoothie.
FOOD 4 OF 7
Blueberries
Blueberries provide fiber and naturally occurring
plant compounds. They are an easy way to add fruit
to a balanced diet.
- Easy breakfast topping
- Convenient snack
- Contains fiber
- Works well with oats and yogurt
Easy idea:
Keep fresh or frozen blueberries available for
oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies.
FOOD 5 OF 7
Fatty Fish Such as Salmon
Salmon provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Including fish as part of a balanced diet can support
an overall heart-healthy eating pattern.
- Rich in protein
- Provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Can replace some higher-saturated-fat foods
- Pairs well with vegetables
Easy idea:
Pair baked salmon with vegetables and a whole grain
for a balanced dinner.
FOOD 6 OF 7
Beets
Beets contain naturally occurring nitrates and can
be included as part of a varied diet rich in vegetables.
- Contains natural plant compounds
- Can be roasted or steamed
- Works well in salads
- Provides color and variety to meals
Easy idea:
Add sliced roasted beets to a salad with leafy greens
and a simple dressing.
FOOD 7 OF 7
Garlic
Garlic is a flavorful way to reduce dependence on
heavily salted seasonings while adding variety to
home-cooked meals.
- Add to vegetables
- Use in soups and stews
- Combine with herbs
- Use to flavor fish and lean proteins
Easy idea:
Use garlic, lemon, herbs and spices to add flavor
without relying heavily on salt.
Simple Heart-Healthy Food Checklist
✓ Fruit:
Add bananas or berries to breakfast and snacks.
✓ Whole grains:
Try oatmeal or other minimally processed whole grains.
✓ Vegetables:
Include leafy greens and a variety of colorful vegetables.
✓ Protein:
Include nutritious protein sources such as fish when appropriate.
✓ Flavor:
Use garlic, herbs, spices and other seasonings to make
lower-sodium meals enjoyable.
Want More Tips for Managing Blood Pressure?
Explore additional information and resources designed
to help you learn more about healthy blood-pressure
lifestyle habits.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE →
Review the resource and decide whether it is right for you.
Final Thought
There is no single food that can replace medical treatment
for high blood pressure. However, building meals around
nutritious foods and following an overall heart-conscious
eating pattern can be a useful part of a healthy lifestyle.
Start with one simple change. Add more vegetables, choose
whole foods more often and pay attention to sodium in
packaged foods.
EXPLORE MORE BLOOD PRESSURE TIPS →
Health Disclaimer:
This web story is for general educational and informational
purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare
professional.
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease,
diabetes, are pregnant, or take prescription medication, speak
with your healthcare professional before making significant
changes to your diet or treatment plan.
Foods discussed here should be considered as part of an overall
healthy eating pattern. No single food is guaranteed to lower
blood pressure or treat hypertension.
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based on your individual needs.
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