7 Foods Drastically Drop High Blood Pressure (and they’re really tasty)There are 7 types of food that have been proven again and again to be even more effective to lower high blood pressure than medications, without side effects.

What’s more, the 7 foods I’m about to share with you are so delicious you’ll actually crave to medicate yourself with them (ah, let’s put a question mark around #4).

And you’ll find these foods in every supermarket and health food store…usually dirt cheap.

1. Avocadoes – are rich in potassium. Potassium is one of the most powerful minerals to balance blood pressure. And they’re high in Monounsaturated fat (good fat) that lowers LDL cholesterol.

2. Apricots – Who doesn’t like snacking on apricots? Apart from being tasty, like avocadoes, they’re also rich in potassium, high in fiber and low in calories. So binge on it guilt-free. Go for fresh apricots rather than dry since dry apricots have many more calories per gram.

3. Yogurt – Research shows that the probiotic in plain yogurt is one of the best bets for good health. Consuming it regularly can lower blood pressure significantly. Rather than flavored yogurt, which is usually loaded with sugar, go for plain yogurt and add your own fruits in the blender or just pour some honey on top. Also be aware of low fat yogurt, as we tend to make up for the low fat with added sweetening.

4. Beetroot – This purple root is bursting full of good nutrients, especially nitrates, which lower blood pressure. A study based in University of London has shown that beetroot can lower blood pressure within 24 hours of consuming it. The most powerful way to use beetroot is to drink 250 ml of fresh beet juice (you need a juicer for that). Your blood pressure will most likely drop within 10 minutes of drinking this. But make sure to mix it with another fruit or vegetable. Plain beet juice can burn the throat some if not diluted. Apple is a favorite pairing with beets.

5. Red wine – Many studies have shown that those who drink red wine regularly have significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, non-alcoholic wine and even grape juice delivers exactly the same health benefits. Drinking hard liquor, however, tends to raise blood pressure. So there are no health benefits from margaritas (other than good times).

6. Raisins – Next time you crave a sweet treat, kick out the candies and cookies and grab some raisins instead. Eating raisins regularly drops both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

7. Cocoa – We saved the best for last. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and feel satisfied that it’s as good for your blood pressure as for your taste buds. Consuming chocolate is also good for your blood pressure as long as it’s at least 70% cocoa and you limit yourself to 50gr/day. Health benefits are dashed if you load up on refined sugars or whipped topping, so stick to just the cocoa.

Now, these 7 foods will definitely help you lower your blood pressure. But healthy eating is not enough. You also need light exercise.

Here are the 3 most powerful exercises to lower your blood pressure naturally. And they’re so easy, you won’t even break a sweat…