Ever wonder how to lower blood pressure naturally? Sodium has always been the blood pressure bogeyman—shake most of it from your high blood pressure diet and you'll be safe. But research now shows that it's just as important to choose foods naturally low in sodium and high in at least two of the three power minerals: calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Add in these 13 well-balanced foods to your diet to cut your risk of stroke and heart attack nearly in half.

1. White beans
One cup of white beans provides 13% of the calcium, 30% of the magnesium, and 24% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: You can use this comfort food in side dishes, soups, and entrées. As a meatless source of protein, it’s a great choice for vegetarians. Choose no-salt added or well-rinsed low-sodium canned white beans, or cook dried beans overnight in a slow cooker.

2. Tilapia
Four ounces of tilapia provides 8% of the magnesium and 8% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: This mild white fish is available year-round in supermarkets and fish stores, fresh or as frozen fillets. You can roast it, bake it, and sauté it, flavor it with a variety of seasonings, and even top it with mineral-rich kiwi-avocado salsa. Tilapia is extremely low in environmental toxins like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and it is considered a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. Most US-raised tilapia is grown in closed-system fish farms on plant-based diets, an approach that doesn’t threaten stocks of wild fish, according to the nonprofit Food & Water Watch.

3. One medium banana provides 1% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium, and 12% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: No need to toss soft bananas when the skin turns brown. Peel, bag, and freeze for use in smoothies. (Bonus: bananas help lower stress hormones in the blood

4. Broccoli
One cup of cooked broccoli provides 6% of the calcium, 8% of the magnesium, and 14% of the potassium you need every day.

Tip: This cruciferous veggie is also a famous source of cancer-fighting phytonutrients called glucosinolates. You can substitute frozen broccoli in many cooked entrées and side dishes. (Serve some up with these 3 broccoli-packed recipes ready in 30 minutes or less.)

5. sweet potatoes

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