High blood pressure: The best Christmas foods to eat to help manage your reading

This Morning: Dr Chris discusses blood pressure and dementia

It’s no secret that “vegetables have healthful effects on blood pressure”, as certified by Harvard Medical School. This means a Christmas feast has the chance to improve your health, if you know what to include.

If you couldn’t fathom the idea of a hearty Christmas meal without a piece of meat, opt for a lean cut of turkey.

The charity Blood Pressure UK would shriek in horror if you decided you were going to have beef or ham – red meat is a no-no.

And step away from pigs in blankets, processed meats such as sausages are no good for your blood pressure.

Instead, Medical News Today encourages the addition of carrots to your plate.

Rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, carrots also contain a special mineral called potassium.

“Potassium helps relax the blood vessels, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues,” it said.

Moreover, carrots are a good source of antioxidants, which can helps remove damaging free radicals from the body.

We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

And don’t forget parsnips, which are high in fibre that can lower blood pressure, said Healthline.

Turnips are a superfood on their own, and would make a brilliant impact on bringing down blood pressure.

Medical News Today noted that turnips also provide potassium, which can release sodium from the body and help arteries dilate.

A surprising trimming to include is beetroot – a sweet accompaniment for carrots and parsnips.

DON’T MISS…
Diabetes type 2: Experiencing polyuria when you go to the toilet is a sign [INSIGHT]
I am allergic to penicillin – Can I have the Covid vaccine? [TIPS]
Hair loss treatment: Increasing your iron and zinc could help to increase hair growth [ADVICE]

The organisation cited research that demonstrated how beet juice led to “lower blood pressure in people with hypertension”.

Positive effects were even recognised “within 24 hours”, thought to be down to its high levels of inorganic nitrate.

Over a four-week period, the daily consumption of beet juice neared the helpful effects of blood pressure medication.

Are you going to drizzle gravy over your meal? Blood pressure UK recommends to “skim the fat off” first.

When it comes to making delicious, healthy and Christmassy desserts, the British Heart Foundation has some suggestions.

Why not try their Christmas pudding ice cream, every berry trifle or low-fat Christmas cake? The recipes can be found here.

When it comes to everyday life, you want to ensure you know exactly how you can best manage your blood pressure.

Thankfully, Blood Pressure UK is here to help, who suggest sticking to wholegrain options and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.

When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, the use of rapeseed, olive oils, or sunflower and corn oils is recommended.

Moreover, only a small amount of oil is needed – a teaspoon or tablespoon will do.

Eating oily fish at least once a week is also highly regarded, with examples including salmon, trout and mackerel.

“Being physically active and stopping smoking if you smoke will also help to lower your cholesterol,” the charity added.

Source: Read Full Article