Rational approaches to the treatment of hypertension: diet

Hypertension affects one in three adults in Turkey and the United States. Only half are treated for this condition and only 10–20% is controlled. Dietary modifications such as salt restriction, moderation of alcohol drinking, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes and low in snacks, sweets, meat, and saturated fat are helpful in the treatment of hypertension. Consumption of dark chocolate is also associated with a drop in systolic blood pressure. Individual dietary factors that may reduce blood pressure include increased intakes of potassium, calcium, fish oil, fiber, and milk-based and vegetable-based protein.