1. Skip the canned foods and drinks and eat fresh produce.

As far as possible, avoid canned food or microwaveable foods wrapped in plastic. Why? BPA, a chemical used as an epoxy lining for cans and plastic bottles, has been linked to high blood pressure. BPA can leach into foods and drinks. To those who already have heart disease or hypertension, or other cardiovascular risk factors, just a 5 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure can cause significant problems. It is better to store foods in glass rather than plastic containers.