Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is always important, but it’s especially important as we age, since people over 40 are at high risk of hypertension, due to the fact that our arteries stiffen over time. If you’re over 40 and looking for ways to keep your blood pressure under control, there are a few factors to consider, including your diet. Certain foods should be avoided as much as possible, such as those containing high amounts of sodium. However, upping your intake of certain foods can also make a difference; these includes options that are rich in electrolytes like potassium, which work to relax your blood vessels in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure. In fact, there’s one potassium-packed beverage health experts say you can sip on every day—or better yet, add to a nutritious smoothie: coconut water.
To learn more about coconut water and why it can be such a great addition to your daily smoothie, we spoke to Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet. She told us all about the benefits of this buzzy beverage, especially for those who want to lower their blood pressure. Find it all below!
Coconut water
If you want to up your potassium intake, Richards says adding coconut water to your smoothie is a great option. Although the drink has become increasingly trendy in the wellness world over the past few years, the benefits of it are no joke. "Depending on the quality of the coconut water you purchase you can see some significant health benefits from adding it to your daily regimen," Richards tells us. In fact, she points out that just one cup of this beverage provides 17% of your daily potassium needs. Incredible!
Coconut water is a particularly great option for anyone looking to manage their blood pressure. Richards explains that "the ratio of low sodium to high potassium found in coconut water helps to balance the body's blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance."
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In addition to potassium, this tasty smoothie ingredient also boasts a high magnesium content. This is great news for those of us trying to lower our blood pressure, because, as Richard notes, "Both of these nutrients are vital to controlling blood pressure and keeping it at a safe level."
When you consider the fact that coconut water can also add some great flavor to your smoothie, there's really no reason not to give it a shot! In fact, you may find that you enjoy sipping on this beverage on its own—but no matter how you consume it, your body is sure to love it as much as your taste buds are.
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