(Photo By Flickr User Morgan)

Heart failure is real, and it often begins with high blood pressure; a silent killer in the African American community.

If you aren’t experiencing high blood pressure, then you most likely know someone who is. According to the American Heart Association, more than 40% of Blacks are living with high blood pressure. Blacks have the highest prevalence of the disease than any other race.

Some experts believe, however, that one vegetable is the key to preventing heart diseases such as high blood pressure.

Here are the six drinks that you should consider for lowering high blood pressure and prevent heart disease:

The beet!

Researchers found the link between a stiffening heart and high blood pressure, which makes the heart muscle thicken.
In the 2010 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, experts learned that a half a liter of beet juice can do wonders for a young man’s diet. It improved their exercise and performance each day.
Another study, in 2011, found that people ages 54 to 80 also improved their peripheral vascular disease with beet juice.
Here are some additional drinks that can help people with hypertension:

Water
This is the healthiest way to manage hypertension, of course. But you already knew that. With dehydration, blood vessels can constrict and the body goes into water saving mode. Therefore, the body reduces the amount of water loss through sweat, urination and breathing. Your heart works harder, and your blood pressure goes up.
Water will help prevent chronic dehydrations and your blood vessels from tightening.

Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus is packed with bioactive phytochemicals, which are natural ACE inhibitors. Studies show that this tea can be used to lower blood pressure.

Pomegranate juice
Fresh Cranberry JuiceNot only is it tasty, but it’s healthy for those with hypertension. Those ACE inhibitors can also be found in pomegranates. In one study, this juice reduced ACE – an enzyme which can raise blood pressure – by 36%.

Low-fat milk
Studies have long found calcium to be beneficial to lower blood pressure levels. Don’t go for the full-fat and whole milks, though. Low-fat milk has more calcium and doesn’t contain the added fat found in whole milk.

Cranberry juice
This juice is good for more than just UTIs. Filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cranberry juice can prevent any spikes in blood pressure. It can also dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow. Be sure to get the unsweetened version of cranberry juice, as the added sugar is no good for your heart.

(Information courtesy of blackdoctor.org)