Did you
know that 1 in 3 women and 2 in 5 men in the UK have high blood pressure (hypertension)? And that being
overweight is a key risk factor? The sort of diet you eat can also influence
your blood pressure – and if you combine the right combination of fruits in
your weight loss plan you could double up on blood pressure benefits.
A recent study in Clinical Nutrition
found that weight loss diets richer in fruit
and low fat dairy products seemed to lower blood pressure more effectively than
simple low fat weight loss diets.
The fruit and veg dieters were advised
to eat at least 8 portions of fruits and vegetables and 3 servings of low fat
dairy foods daily, and include fish, beans and some nuts each week. The low fat
dieters were advised to cut right back on fat, limit high calorie foods and
drinks, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and choose lean meats and low fat
dairy foods.
After 12 weeks both groups lost about 11
pounds in weight. And both diets were lower in salt compared to usual intakes.
But the fruit and vegetables group had a bigger drop in their blood pressure –
and they really did end up eating significantly more fruits, vegetables and low
fat dairy foods each day. The researchers believe that these additional
benefits came from fruits and vegetables diet being higher in potassium,
magnesium and calcium – all nutrients that have been linked to blood pressure
benefits.
If
you have any concerns about your blood pressure then do visit your doctor for a
blood pressure check. Many local pharmacists offer this service now
too.
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