8. Spinach
Also known as “alefo” in Nigeria, these green vegetables are rich in folate and magnesium. These compounds prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. They relax the blood vessels and allow for the smooth flow of blood.
- You can make soup with the leaves, but make sure it is slightly cooked so that all the vital nutrients won’t be lost.
- The fresh leaves can also be used to make smoothies. You can blend the leaves with any sweet fruit of your choice and drink it.
9. Tomatoes
These tasty berries are loaded with lycopene, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, potassium, and other powerful phytochemicals. These compounds can reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood, which can narrow or tighten the blood vessels. Regular intake of tomatoes can prevent hypertension. Remember to heat your plants before taking it because the active compound lycopene is activated by heat.
- You can add tomatoes to most of your meals.
- Again, you can make tomato sauce daily
- You can also blend boiled tomatoes and take in the juice.
