by Blood pressure care represents a key element for the general health of the human being. This value corresponds to the measurement of the force exerted against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood to the body.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is associated with negative health effects.
According to the MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a wide list of medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, eye problems, and other health problems.
There are several factors that can affect blood pressure, for example, the amount of water and salt present in the body, the state of the kidneys, the nervous system or blood vessels and the hormone levels of each person.
As aging progresses, the human being becomes more prone to suffering from hypertension. This happens because blood vessels become stiffer with age. In that order of ideas, it is convenient to acquire habits that help prevent this problem.
The most common medical recommendation for this purpose is in line with the basic guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a healthy life. Specifically, the health authority highlights the benefits of a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
“A healthy diet helps protect us from malnutrition in all its forms, as well as non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer,” says the WHO on its website.
Therefore, it specifies that a healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.. In turn, it suggests limiting the intake of saturated fats, trans fats and foods with added sugars.
Foods to regulate blood pressure
Food care can be decisive when it comes to controlling blood pressure. For this reason it is advisable to go to a medical specialist to receive professional advice and organize a meal plan according to the needs of each person.
The portal your health mentions some foods whose consumption is associated with the control of blood pressure. For example, it highlights that coconut water, yogurt, and plums, for example, “are excellent options that help lower high blood pressure, because they are rich in potassium, a mineral that promotes excess sodium in the body through the urine”.
Similarly, he maintains that foods high in antioxidants help reduce inflammation and promote the relaxation of the arteries, improving blood circulation.
1. Green Tea: It is a drink rich in catechins and flavonoids, bioactive compounds with powerful antioxidant action. According to the aforementioned portal, its consumption promotes the health of the arteries and the relaxation of blood vessels, helping to reduce high blood pressure.
2. Pumpkin Seeds: Being a good source of potassium, its consumption helps eliminate excess sodium in the urine, which in turn helps lower high blood pressure.
3. Cocoa: Tua Saúde states that cocoa is rich in catechins, flavonoids and tannins, bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Its consumption stimulates the increase of nitric oxide in the body, a substance that helps relax blood vessels, improving blood circulation.
4. Prunes: They are rich in potassium. Like pumpkin seeds, its consumption is related to the elimination of excess sodium in the body.
5. Turmeric: It contains a substance called curcumin, which has antioxidant action. Turmeric consumption helps fight free radicals, improving the functions of blood vessels, promoting relaxation of the arteries and lowering blood pressure.
