High blood pressure is a common condition that affects around one in three adults in the UK
Three popular breakfast foods and drinks could help lower your risk of a dangerous health condition. These potassium-rich items could aid in reducing blood pressure levels.
Experts believe roughly one in three UK adults suffers from raised blood pressure, though many remain completely unaware of their condition. The ailment forces your heart to work considerably harder than necessary when circulating blood throughout your system.
This places additional stress on your circulatory system and vital organs, potentially triggering severe medical crises over time. Indeed, elevated blood pressure stands as the primary risk factor for strokes and may also trigger heart attacks, kidney disease and even vascular dementia.
Consequently, maintaining optimal blood pressure readings remains absolutely crucial. Your eating habits play a fundamental role in determining your blood pressure measurements.
Salt, in particular, has been identified as one of the principal culprits behind hypertension. This occurs because sodium causes your body to retain excess fluid, creating pressure against arterial walls.
Beyond reducing your sodium consumption, there’s another effective method to counteract sodium’s harmful effects on your system. Consuming potassium-rich foods can help lower blood pressure since this essential mineral assists in eliminating sodium from the body.
It also promotes relaxation of arterial walls, enabling smoother blood circulation. The American Heart Association states: “Foods that are rich in potassium are important in managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, because potassium lessens the effects of sodium.
“The more potassium you eat, the more sodium you lose through urine. Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which helps further lower blood pressure.”
Three breakfast staples contain impressive amounts of potassium, making them ideal choices for managing blood pressure from the moment you wake up. These include:
- Avocados
- Plain yoghurt
- Orange juice
Avocados
The Cleveland Clinic reveals that just half an avocado delivers approximately 364 milligrams (mg) of potassium. “As if you needed another reason to reach for the guacamole, a half-cup serving of creamy avocado contains about 364mg of potassium,” it states.
“From fruit salad to avocado toast, a fancy fish dinner to a bowl of tomatoey spaghetti, there are so many great ways to get your fill of potassium. Your health – and your taste buds – will thank you.”
Plain yoghurt
Healthline highlights that consuming plain yoghurt offers numerous wellness advantages. It notes: “Yoghurt is a great source of calcium, riboflavin and potassium.
“One cup (245 grams) of this creamy treat provides you with 380mg of potassium.”
Orange juice
Medical News Today suggests that a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice may deliver up to 496mg of potassium.
The Fruit Juice Science Centre further notes: “A small glass (150ml) of 100 per cent orange juice provides around 7.5 per cent of daily potassium needs.
“Since the relationship between potassium and blood pressure is well established, it stands to reason that foods which are a good source of potassium, such as 100 per cent orange juice, may be beneficial to heart health.”
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, you should speak to your GP.