Diet alert: Fruits and veggies to avoid with hypertension
A proper diet for people with hypertension is incredibly important. What should be avoided? It turns out that not all fruits and vegetables are recommended for this condition.
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of our diet. Unfortunately, there are certain conditions where it is better to avoid specific products. What should people diagnosed with hypertension be cautious about? It has long been known that appropriate nutrition is vital for managing this ailment.
"False friends": if you have hypertension, avoid these products
It is advised to avoid pickled and preserved vegetables such as cucumbers or cabbage. Vegetables prepared with roux or fatty sauces are also not recommended. Pickles contain a high amount of salt, which is detrimental for those with hypertension.
Experts do not recommend candied fruits or those in syrups and brines for people with high blood pressure. The reason is the high sugar content, which is another factor not advised.
Diet and hypertension: What do specialists recommend?
Certain products can help lower high blood pressure. What specific items should we consider? We should seek products that are good sources of potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure. Potassium can be found in dried apricots, almonds, cocoa, avocados, bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, soybeans, and lentils. Wheat bran also contains potassium, although in smaller amounts.
Consuming at least 14 ounces of fruits and vegetables is recommended daily. Specialists estimate that vegetables should constitute three-quarters of this portion, while fruits should comprise one-quarter. Fresh vegetables and fruits, apart from potassium, provide us with other valuable nutrients such as fibre, flavonoids, and nitrates.
