High blood pressure: Doctor explains benefits of hibiscus tea
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High blood pressure is a very common condition that affects almost a third of all adults in the UK. If you have high blood pressure – which is also known as hypertension – you could benefit from eating certain foods, including a relatively common vegetable.
It’s vital that if you have high blood pressure, it’s diagnosed as soon as possible.
Hypertension increases the risk of some deadly complications, including heart attacks and strokes.
But making just a few lifestyle changes could help to protect against high blood pressure.
Regularly eating celery could help to lower your blood pressure, according to nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer.
Celery contains potassium, which gives it its antihypertensive effects.
Potassium is used by the body to get rid of any excess sodium. Sodium is one of the worst nutrients for blood pressure.
The vegetable also contains nitrites, which are ideal for high blood pressure patients.
Nitrites work by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the stress on blood passing through blood vessels.
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“Celery and celery seed are often overlooked as health-promoting foods but can help to lower a high blood pressure,” Dr Brewer wrote on her website, MyLowerBloodPressure.com.
“Celery contains potassium which helps to lower blood pressure by flushing sodium from the body, via the kidneys.
“The main blood pressure-lowering effect of celery comes from its high content of natural nitrites, however, similar to those found in beet root. These dilate blood vessels to help lower blood pressure.
“Among 12 commonly eaten raw vegetables, celery, tomatoes, carrots, and scallions (spring onions) are each significantly associated with having a lower blood pressure.”
You could also lower your blood pressure by eating more bananas, it’s been claimed.
Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which is vital in balancing out the negative effects of sodium.
Potassium works by regulating the amount of fluids in the body.
If there’s too much water in the body, the extra fluid in the blood puts extra pressure on the blood vessel walls.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to manage your blood pressure at home.
Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
If you’re worried about your blood pressure, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Left untreated, hypertension raises the risk of a deadly heart attack or stroke.
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