The hyper-paced lifestyle of this generation and the lack of a good diet has led to numerous health issues arising over the years.
And the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a great diet plan that helps people in many different ways such as lowering their blood pressure.
If this is something you’ve been looking into, then definitely check out these snacks for the DASH diet!
Dark Chocolate
Consuming Dark Chocolate in limited quantities is directly associated with a lower risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Get high-quality dark chocolate containing a minimum of 60 percent cocoa for good results.
Bananas
As a great natural alternative to potassium supplements, this healthy snack not only keeps us feeling good, but also counteracts any foods you might eat that are high in sodium.
Lentils
In addition to being a great source of protein and fiber, lentils are known to expand the blood vessels within our bodies. This expansion then lowers our blood pressure.
Berries
Berries, and especially blueberries, can easily be incorporated into our diet via cereals or even as a frozen dessert. And Flavonoids, found in blueberries, are known to prevent hypertension.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are usually rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium. And as you know, potassium is good for counteracting foods with high sodium content. Some of the leafy greens that do this include, kale, romaine lettuce, arugula, spinach, and beet greens.
Oatmeal
An ideal snack that is not only low in sodium but also low in fat and high in fiber. It really is a good breakfast or snack to have if you want to lose weight and improve your heart health. So make sure to grab it the next time you’re at the store.
Pistachios
This nut helps in improving our heart rate and reduces blood-vessel tightening. These qualities, in turn, lead to a much healthier heart. Just make sure you know that these nuts are higher in calories than most healthy snacks out there!
If you struggle with your heart health or you’re concerned about it, then the DASH diet may be the way to go. It really does give us peace of mind when we do things to take care of our health.
JUST make sure to check with your doctor before you start this diet (or any other diet for that matter). And if your doctor approves, then go ahead!
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.