HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is also referred to as high blood pressure and is said to exist when the body is under one or both of these conditions; systolic (maximum) pressure exceeds 140mmHg or Diastolic (minimum) pressure exceeds 90mmHg.

Hypertension does not produce symptoms but rather slowly deteriorates the arteries and various organs. It has been discovered that diet is an ideal and natural way in maintaining blood pressure within healthy limits.

Garlic: helps fight hypertension because it acts as a blood thinner. When chopped, it produces allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic also helps lower cholesterol.

Legumes: Contain potassium, magnesium and calcium which are minerals that help control blood pressure or avoid hypertension.

Whole grain foods: Such as oatmeal, are excellent sources of fibre, magnesium and other essential nutrients needed to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Eating foods rich in fiber also keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time.

Fruits and Leafy green vegetables: They are rich in Potassium and Magnesiun.Recommended fruits include; raw bananas, avocados, oranges, dates and grapes.

 

Avoid the following foods

Saturated Fat: Promotes hardening and narrowing of the arteries which cause high blood pressure. This comes about when the heart has to pump at high pressure to overcome this resistance to blood circulation.

Coffee: This alongside other caffeine products causes a spike in blood pressure. It is thought that caffeine could block a hormone that helps keep your arteries widened.However, other experts think that caffeine causes your adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to increase.

Salt: Excess consumption of salt, increases damage to the heart by increasing hypertension.

Sugar: Consumption of excess sugar leads to obesity. Obese individuals are more prone to develop hypertension.