Blood Pressure Breakthrough: Sip These Drinks, Skip Those for a Healthier Heart
35. Apple Cider Vinegar (with 'The Mother'): The Acetic Acid Ally

While it might not be a delicious beverage on its own, a small amount of apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed into water can be a simple, effective addition to your routine. ACV contains acetic acid, which has been shown in some studies to help lower blood pressure by regulating the activity of the enzyme renin, which is involved in blood pressure control. Make sure to use an unfiltered ACV that contains "the mother," a culture of beneficial bacteria, which also provides gut health benefits. Drinking a tablespoon of ACV mixed in a glass of water can be a proactive step towards a healthier heart.
36. Hawthorn Berry Tea: The "Heart Herb"

Hawthorn has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a cardio-tonic, and modern science is catching on. Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers are rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), compounds that relax and dilate blood vessels. This effect is twofold: it improves blood flow and reduces the resistance against which your heart has to pump. Hawthorn also strengthens the heart muscle's ability to contract, which makes each heartbeat more efficient and less taxing. Drinking a tea made from dried hawthorn berries is a gentle, natural way to support overall heart function, making it an excellent addition to a blood pressure-management routine.
