High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A balanced diet can help reduce this risk. Read here which foods support your heart.
High blood pressure, also called arterial hypertension, is a common health condition that can be dangerous because it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In September 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report on the devastating global consequences of high blood pressure. According to the report, one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure. Four out of five sufferers are not treated appropriately.
A healthy diet can help combat high blood pressure. Certain foods are particularly good in your daily diet to keep your heart healthy.
A study from Edith Cowan University in Australia has shown that people who eat lots of foods containing flavonoids may be better protected against heart disease.
For example, berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants.
Antioxidants can help prevent damage to blood vessels. Flavonoids can promote the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Spinach, kale and chard are excellent sources of potassium. This also makes them good for heart health: potassium helps counteract the negative impact of sodium on blood pressure by helping the body to excrete excess sodium.
Green leafy vegetables also contain nitrates, which dilate blood vessels and can lower blood pressure.
Low-fat yogurt is a good source of calcium and probiotic bacteria. Calcium has the ability to influence the muscle layer of blood vessels to make them narrower or wider.
This is important for blood pressure because the width of blood vessels affects how easily blood can flow through the body. Probiotics can also promote gut health, which in turn can improve nutrient absorption and stabilize blood pressure.
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, especially beta-glucans. This fiber can help lower cholesterol levels – high cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the fiber contained in oatmeal can help lower blood pressure, thereby preventing possible clogging of the arteries.
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and control blood clotting. This can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure can manifest itself in different ways:
Anyone who notices symptoms should definitely see a doctor. Because untreated high blood pressure can lead to circulatory problems and thus damage to important organs and promotes heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
Medical professionals can professionally measure blood pressure and carry out further tests to determine the exact cause. Appropriate treatment can then be initiated.
The original for this article “Five foods are really good for your heart” comes from spot on news.