5 seasonal fruits perfect for blood pressure management
By Akanni Dorcas
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major concern in Nigeria, affecting many adults. In fact, about 29% of Nigerian adults have it, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Read Also: 5 profitable business ideas to consider in Lagos
With this widespread issue, finding natural, accessible ways to manage blood pressure is important.
Luckily, Nigeria’s diverse environment offers fruits that could help keep your blood pressure in check. Here are five fruits you can easily add to your diet that might do the trick.
Soursop (Graviola)
Known as “Ebo” in Yoruba or “Sawansop” in Hausa, soursop is that big, green fruit with soft white flesh you’ve probably seen in the markets. It’s not just tasty, it can help with blood pressure:
It helps relax your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow.
Soursop acts like a natural diuretic, helping your body get rid of excess fluids.
It’s known for reducing stress and anxiety, two sneaky factors behind high blood pressure.
African Star Apple (Agbalumo)
Who doesn’t love “Udara” or “Agbalumo”? This small but mighty fruit, popular during its season, is a powerhouse for heart health:
Packed with Vitamin C, it helps make your blood vessels more flexible.
It has calcium, a mineral that plays a role in keeping your blood pressure in check.
With its rich antioxidants, Agbalumo fights inflammation, a known contributor to hypertension.
Hibiscus (Zobo)
While not technically a fruit, hibiscus, used to make the much-loved “Zobo” drink, is a well-known Nigerian remedy for high blood pressure:
Studies have shown that drinking Zobo can help lower both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
It acts as a natural diuretic, helping your body flush out excess salt.
Zobo is loaded with antioxidants that keep your heart healthy.
Watermelon
Watermelon is the perfect juicy treat, especially during the hot season. It’s also great for blood pressure:
It’s high in citrulline, an amino acid that helps your blood vessels relax.
Watermelon is rich in potassium, which helps balance out the effects of too much sodium (salt) in your body.
Its lycopene content may also contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Guava
Guava, known as “Gwaava” in Hausa or “Gofa” in Yoruba, is another fruit that’s good for your heart and blood pressure:
It has a high potassium content, which helps neutralize the effects of sodium.
Guava is rich in vitamin C, promoting overall heart health.
Its dietary fiber helps maintain a healthy weight, which in turn supports better blood pressure control.
Adding these fruits to your diet is an easy and natural way to help manage blood pressure. But remember, while they offer benefits, they should complement a healthy lifestyle and any medications your doctor has prescribed.
Always consult a healthcare professional to find the best plan for you.
By incorporating these local fruits into your meals, you’re not just improving your health, you’re also celebrating Nigeria’s rich natural offerings.
The post 5 seasonal fruits perfect for blood pressure management appeared first on Vanguard News.
