AIIMs trained gut doctor shares top 7 foods for high blood pressure, iron deficiency for vegetarians and non-vegetarians

Published on: Aug 13, 2025, 10:00:24 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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Beetroot can be a helpful addition to a diet aimed at managing high blood pressure due to its high nitrate content. (Shutterstock)

Did you know beetroot can help lower blood pressure due to its high nitrate content? Here are six more foods that can help with various health conditions.

In an August 12 Instagram post, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, as well as Harvard and Stanford Universities, shared foods and drinks recommended for various health conditions – from beetroot for high blood pressure to oats for diabetes. While oats are a good option because they're high in fibre, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, beetroot is a great choice due to its high nitrate content. Also read | Beetroot juice can do wonders for your heart, liver and more

Foods that can help with various health conditions

Dr Sethi also pointed to chamomile tea, which is known for its calming effects, for managing anxiety, and blueberries for depression as they are packed with antioxidants and may help improve mood.

He also differentiated between red meat and lentils as he best sources of iron for anemia, catering to different dietary preferences, and concluded by recommending turmeric for back pain, highlighting its anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these foods into your diet can be a great way to support overall health and manage specific conditions.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@doctor.sethi)

Best food to manage high BP, anxiety and more

In the video he posted, Dr Sethi said:

• The best food for high blood pressure is beetroot.

• The best food for diabetes is oats.

• The best food for anxiety is chamomile tea.

• The best food for depression is blueberries.

• The best food for iron deficiency anemia is red meat.

• The best plant-based food for iron deficiency anemia is lentils.

• The best food for back pain is turmeric.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH is a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist. He trained at AIIMS (India), earned his MPH from the University of Texas, and completed fellowships in gastroenterology and hepatology at Harvard and advanced endoscopy at Stanford.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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