Did you know? An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries (Source: WHO).
Surprising, isn’t it?
While these numbers are alarming, the good news is that high blood pressure can often be managed naturally. Lifestyle changes and a shift in diet can help lower blood pressure levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Do you find yourself regularly craving salty snacks and chips? You’re not alone. Packaged dry snacks usually contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives, which can be harmful to your health in the long run. Therefore, think beyond chips and processed snacks.
Managing high blood pressure doesn’t mean giving up on taste or consuming bland food. There are plenty of delicious, healthy, packaged, and dry snack options that can satisfy a salty/crunchy craving while staying lower in sodium. The snacks mentioned in this blog are great for high BP patients.
Let’s check them out!
5 Healthy Indian Snacks For Those With High Blood Pressure
A healthy diet plays a vital role in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, adding a few healthy snacks mentioned below can help.
1. Sweet Potato Chips
Do you crave chips but are looking for ones with less oil? We hear you! Sweet potato chips made in an air fryer can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried chips, especially for those with high BP. The potassium in sweet potatoes helps regulate blood pressure.
Packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Manganese, sprayed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper – your healthy crispy chips are ready! The best part? They don’t have extra fat and calories!
These homemade, thinly sliced sweet potato chips use less oil, as they are cooked in the air fryer. This helps you consume fewer calories and less fat, which helps to maintain BP and cholesterol and regulates blood sugar levels.
You can also enjoy these healthy chips in sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or just on their own as a satisfying, healthy office snack!
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Do you know which is the healthiest of all beans? It is Chickpeas! Roast it and sprinkle some masalas, and your blood pressure-friendly snack is ready!
Chickpeas are a good source of potassium, magnesium, protein, and fibre, which help regulate blood pressure. Potassium in it removes excess sodium from the body, Magnesium in it regulates BP, and Fibre in it lowers cholesterol levels.
Chickpeas are also an excellent source of protein, which aids weight management and boosts bone health. The protein and fibre in chickpeas keep your appetite under control, letting you feel full and thereby reducing your calorie intake at meals.
Looking for the best protein snack? Jump on chickpeas! You can either roast chickpeas to consume as a snack or add them to a salad.
3. Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Wondering which snack is good for lowering blood pressure? You’re at the right place! Hummus is the best snack for a person with high blood pressure. The ingredients used in preparing hummus lower blood pressure naturally. Let us understand each of its roles.
Ingredients: Chickpeas are rich in magnesium and potassium, which relax the blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol and potentially reduce blood pressure. Sesame seeds in tahini also contribute to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Hummus is also a good source of fibre, which aids in overall heart health and blood pressure management.
Tip: Avoid store-bought hummus as it may contain more sodium.
4. Roasted Edamame
Roasted edamame helps maintain high blood pressure due to its potassium and fibre content. An unsalted edamame can be the best snack for blood pressure patients. It makes a great office snack, too!
The nutrients present in edamame support blood pressure management. Let’s understand how:
The potassium in it helps the kidneys balance sodium and water, which helps lower blood pressure levels. The fibre in it reduces cholesterol levels and improves heart health, indirectly impacting blood pressure. The antioxidants named isoflavones help in improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, both of which are linked to high blood pressure.
5. Unsalted Pistachios
Unsalted pistachios are one of the best choices when it comes to a healthy office snack, especially for those looking to manage high blood pressure. They are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium in the body. The healthy fats in pistachios (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) improve cholesterol levels, thereby supporting heart health. Pistachios contain antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, that protect us against heart disease.
Pistachios are also a good source of the amino acid L-arginine, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow.
Nutrient-Rich Foods to Help Manage and Lower Blood Pressure
- Berries
- Bananas
- Beets
- Dark Chocolate
- Oats
- Green Leafy Veggies
- Garlic
- Fermented foods
- Cinnamon
- Nuts
- Oily fish
- Citrus Fruits
Wrap-Up: Healthy Snack Swaps for Effective Blood Pressure Control
Craving something late at night but worried about your BP?
Don’t worry—there are plenty of healthy snack options for high blood pressure patients. Here are a few of the late-night snacks for high blood pressure patients: low-fat yogurt, air-popped popcorn, unsalted nuts, and seeds. These snacks not only curb hunger but also support better blood pressure management.
Looking for tasty and healthy snacks online – the ones that align with your health goals? Dive into Crunchbury’s wide collection of healthy packaged snacks, from protein-rich energy balls to sprouted cookies and more – shop now!
FAQs
1. What to eat to lower blood pressure?
To lower your blood pressure levels, you need to consume potassium-rich foods, leafy greens, legumes, lean proteins, berries, and beets.
2. Which nuts are best for high blood pressure?
Pistachios and Walnuts are considered best for patients with high blood pressure.
3. Which are the best store-bought snacks for high blood pressure?
Some of the best store-bought snacks for high blood pressure include unsalted nuts and seeds, low-fat yogurt, popcorn, dark chocolate, Crunchbury’s high-protein balls, and flaxseed crackers.
4. Is oatmeal good for high blood pressure?
Oats have high-fibre content, and this makes them best for people with high blood pressure. The soluble fibre present in oats helps to lower BP levels.