If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended to have a diet low in sodium and fat. Below are are the top foods you should avoid or limit the intake. The list may include some of you favorite foods.
Red Meat
A healthy eating diet plan should only have a small amount, if any, of saturated or trans-fats. This is because fatty foods are not good for the heart and blood vessels. An 18 oz steak without any sauce, has about 1,500 grams of sodium, 1,140 calories and 79 grams of fat.
Pickles
PIckles are rich in vitamin K and are low in calories, but they are also loaded with sodium. A medium-sized pickle has around 570 mg of sodium, which is more than 1/3 of the dau=ily recommended per day. So if you have high blood pressure, limit your pickle consumption.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut contains iron, fiber and vitamin C and K, which helps boost the immune system. It is also low in calorie with half a cup containing about 13 calories, but it has over 460 mg of sodium.
Sugar
Foods with extra calories and are full of sugar causes weight gain. Obesity is one of the significant determinant for high blood pressure. The extra weight puts a strain on the heart and may slow down the blood flow.
Salt
Too much sodium consumption, raises blood pressure significantly. It can also cause direct damage to the heart and arteries.
Alcohol
Excessive drinking of alcohol may cause your blood pressure to elevate. For people with high blood pressure, it is recommended to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation.
Moderate drinking is generally considered to be:
- One drink per day, for men age more than 65 per day
- Two drinks per day, for men younger than age 65
- One drink per day, for women of any
Note: A drink is 5 oz of wine, 1.5 oz of 80-proof distilled spirits or 12 oz of beer.
Whole Milk
Milk is a great source calcium, but high fat dairy sources provide more fat than needed. One cup serving of whole milk provides 8 grams of fat, the 5 grams are saturated. Saturated fats have been linked to heart disease.