11 things science says you can eat and drink to help avoid high blood pressure

The science-backed foods to put in your shopping basket 

Apples and pears are rich in flavonoids, antioxidant plant compounds known to help keep blood pressure under healthy control

We know we need to eat less salt to avoid high blood pressure, which affects as many as two in five people in Ireland.

However, according to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHA), addressing your salt intake is only one diet
strategy for lowering blood pressure.
Consuming a balanced diet with a wide range of fruit and vegetables, pulses, and wholegrains from
bananas to beetroot and tomatoes to lentils is also important, says the IHA. Here is what to add to your shopping list: