Did You Know That… Hypertension

by hbhs07, posted in Did You Know?

Did you know that hypertension is one of the leading causes of death worldwide? And yet it is preventable? Read on to find out how.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a symptom and a cause of cardiovascular disease. It is a “silent killer” because many people who suffer from hypertension are totally unaware of it. Most of the aware ones use medications to keep their blood pressure at safe levels. High blood pressure medications come with severe side effects such as diarrhoea, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, cough, nausea, vomiting, constipation and other. On the other hand, there are many natural ways to bring your blood pressure levels down.

Hypertension

Blood pressure and food

One of the ways to treat high blood pressure is diet.

Research shows that a diet that is based on:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Whole grains

and limited on foods that are high in saturated fats, such as:

  • Fatty meats
  • Full-fat dairy products
  • Tropical oils
  • Sugar-sweetened beverages
  • Sweets
  • High sodium foods

all give excellent results.

Hypertension

This diet can help lower blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose, LDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

Foods that lower blood pressure

  • Foods rich in fibre – Studies show that there is a strong correlation between fibre intake and blood pressure, cholesterol, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Plants are rich in fibre.
  • Foods rich in potassium – Reducing sodium intake and consuming foods rich in potassium can help reduce tension in blood vessel walls. Potassium affects how much fluid is stored in your body and how much is excreted through urine. Foods rich in potassium are bananas, avocados, watermelon, spinach and sweet potatoes.
  • Foods rich in magnesium – Some studies show that a daily intake of 500-1000 mg of magnesium can significantly reduce severely elevated blood pressure levels. Foods rich in magnesium include dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds, whole grains, fatty fish, bananas and leafy greens.

Foods that are beneficial for healthy blood pressure, but also for overall health, include garlic, ginger, beetroot, spinach, pomegranate, oats, watermelon, blueberries, and flaxseed. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, incorporating these foods into your diet will naturally improve your cardiovascular health.

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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.