Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs for Healthy Blood Pressure Levels

23. Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): The Hormone Modulator

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a unique Omega-6 fatty acid found predominantly in evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oils. While Omega-6s are often associated with inflammation, GLA is a vital precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds that promote the relaxation of blood vessels. It supports the synthesis of beneficial prostaglandins that act as vasodilators, helping to widen arteries and ease pressure. Including sources like these oils or seeds in your diet offers a targeted way to modulate the body's lipid chemistry, moving it toward a state that supports lower, more stable blood pressure.

24. Selenium: The Antioxidant Enzyme Cofactor

Selenium, an essential trace mineral, is crucial because it serves as a cofactor for powerful antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is the body's front-line defense against the oxidative stress that damages the lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), which is the first step toward hypertension and atherosclerosis. By ensuring adequate selenium intake, found in Brazil nuts, seafood, and whole grains, you are directly strengthening your body's ability to protect its vascular infrastructure from free radical damage, thereby maintaining arterial flexibility and reducing long-term blood pressure risk.