A CDC reported in 2020 that 63.1% of Americans aged 60 and over were suffering from high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. To keep your blood pressure in check, avoid these hypertension-driving foods right now.
#Avoid High-Salt And High-Sugar Foods
If you consume too much salt, your body will have to hold more water to "wash" it away, thus raising your blood pressure. Moreover, a high sugar intake may cause weight gain, thus increasing the risk of hypertension. Therefore, patients with hypertension should think twice before deciding to eat the following 9 foods.
1. Canned Beans
Beans are high in nutrients that keep blood pressure steady, but canned ones contain more salt than is required for preservation. If you must eat them, rinse them thoroughly, and then you can enjoy the healthy version.
2. Premade Soups
Most premade soups are full of salt to bring out the flavor. What's worse, when you cook them, the soup becomes even saltier if you don't add extra water to it. Even the brands with "low sodium" or "reduced salt" on the label can still be unsuitable for patients with hypertension.
3. Cooked Tomato Products
Have you ever found that the ketchup bought in the supermarket is usually saltier than your homemade one? That's because only firmer and blander tomatoes can stand long shipping times, and manufacturers typically add more salt to bring out tomatoes' natural flavor.
4. Frozen Meals
These so-called "TV dinners" are highly convenient and save people a lot of time, but the foods are usually made with low-quality ingredients and contain too much sodium. It's time to swing back to freshly prepared meals, and they're a lot healthier.
5. Candy
Take care. Excessive candy consumption also raises your blood pressure. Why not eat some fresh fruits instead? They can bring you an appropriate amount of sugar with the necessary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically, the potassium in bananas can even help you control your blood pressure.
6. Soft Drinks
Sodas are high in sugar and calories but won't make you feel full enough to turn down that extra cake. Therefore, next time you want a drink, have sparkling water with a splash of your favorite juice instead.
7. Pastries
Commercially baked treats are filled with both sugar and fat. Just one serving can risk exceeding your daily sugar allowance and cause weight gain. You can share the desert with your friends. Or else, bake foods by yourself and use applesauce, dates, or stevia instead of white sugar.
8. Sauces
Sauces complete a delicious dish, but we're sorry to say that many spices and condiments are far too sweet to eat, especially for patients with hypertension. We highly recommend you to try some fresh herbs as substitutions for salt and sugar.
9. Alcohol
Having a drink is a big no-no for people with hypertension. Alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration, weight gain, and higher blood pressure. Even if you don't want to be teetotal, a single serving for women and two for men is the threshold.
Source: buzzaura.com