If you have high blood pressure, you might be wondering which foods to avoid. This article will list a few of the foods that cause high blood pressure, including Sugary drinks, Canned soups, and salty snacks. In addition, these foods also increase the risk of heart disease. If you are a vegetarian, a diet rich in fish is best. You may also want to consider fish oil supplements, though these may not give you the same benefits as eating fish.
Salty snacks increase blood pressure
You should be cautious about salt, but some people may not realize it. Salt is mainly sodium, which is found naturally in foods. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure. However, there are also other forms of sodium, such as MSG, that are added to food. Salt adds extra water to the food, which puts stress on the blood vessels and heart. If you really want to enjoy a variety of flavors, find new ones.
Canned soups increase blood pressure
Cans of soup are filled with high levels of sodium. Although the American Heart Association and FDA recommend a maximum of 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, most Americans consume more than that amount. While there is no clear link between canned soups and high blood pressure, the average can contains about 890 milligrams of sodium. To lower your risk, try choosing reduced-sodium varieties instead. Many popular brands offer low-sodium options.
Sugary drinks increase blood pressure
Despite the high calorie content, sugary drinks still raise blood pressure. In one study, those who drink more sugary beverages had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Drinkers also tended to have poorer diets and were more likely to be overweight. Researchers noted that the relationship remained significant after adjusting for other factors, including body mass index, weight, and height. However, more research is needed to determine if sugary drinks actually raise blood pressure.
Sugary drinks increase risk of heart disease
Researchers have found a link between sugary drinks and higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Sugar-sweetened drinks contain almost half of all the added sugar in the average American diet. Reducing consumption of sugary drinks can reduce cardiovascular risks in a large percentage of the population. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,000 people and defined sugary drinks as soft drinks, bottled water, and fruit juice. They found that increased sugary drink consumption was associated with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.
Oatmeal
When you eat oatmeal, you’ll help lower your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is caused by high cholesterol in the blood, which clings to the walls of your arteries and raises the pressure. A study from the University of Zulia in Venezuela published its results in the March 2007 issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics. In the study, men who consumed beta-glucan and ate foods rich in beta-glucan had a greater reduction in cholesterol than the group that consumed other food types. Oatmeal may also lower cholesterol, and calcium supplements may help control blood pressure.
Banana slices
Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber, two vital nutrients in a healthy diet. Consuming a diet high in potassium is also known to lower blood pressure. Nutritionist Joan Salge Blake, who wrote Nutrition and You: Core Concepts for Good Health, recommends consuming bananas when their skin is speckled brown and still firm. For added sweetness, you can add a spoonful of plain low-fat yogurt to the banana before eating it.
Flaxseeds
There are many reasons to eat flaxseeds, but one of the most compelling is that they lower blood pressure. In fact, there are very few foods that lower blood pressure as much as flaxseeds. In a study published in 2016, researchers found that flaxseeds can lower blood pressure by as much as 10%. A daily serving of flaxseeds is equivalent to two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also contain several minerals and vitamins, including vitamin E and iron. A number of studies have shown that sunflower seeds can lower blood pressure. However, these benefits aren’t immediate.
Eating too much sunflower seed oil or sunflower seed butter can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. To get the most benefits from sunflower seeds, eat them only in moderation.
Chia seeds
Although many people are concerned that chia seeds might contribute to high blood pressure, they may actually help lower blood pressure in a number of ways. For instance, chia seeds can lower systolic blood pressure and have other health benefits for people with T2DM. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates these seeds based on scientific evidence. In addition to lowering SBP, chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants and fiber, so they can lower SBP in people with high blood pressure.
Pumpkin seeds lower blood pressure
Eating pumpkin seeds can help lower blood pressure. However, consuming pumpkin seeds daily is not a substitute for a healthy diet. Blood pressure readings of over 180/120 mmHg are considered to be hypertensive, and require immediate medical attention. It is important to note that pumpkin seeds alone do not lower blood pressure; a balanced diet should also contain foods rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to pumpkin seeds, a balanced diet should also include foods with omega-3 fatty acids.
