Eating two bananas a day can significantly reduce high blood pressure. According to a recent study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, including bananas in your everyday diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by up to 40%. The key ingredients in the fruit are its high level of potassium and low sodium levels. Research has shown that including the fruit in a healthy eating plan can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, and lower an already elevated blood pressure.
For a comprehensive healthy eating plan that reduces hypertension, consider the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes’ ‘DASH’ eating plan.
‘DASH’ or ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,’ is a clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on health. Results clearly indicate that those with high blood pressure experienced a significant reduction in it by following an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.
Another US clinical study, ‘DASH-Sodium,’ examined the effect of a reduction in dietary sodium on wellbeing, as people followed either the DASH eating plan or a typical American diet. Results showed that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure for both the DASH eating plan and the typical American diet. The greatest benefits were for those eating the DASH eating plan at the lowest sodium level (1,500 milligrams per day).
According to the BPA in 2008, 40% of the UK population have high blood pressure. Perhaps it is time to start following a healthy eating plan to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Dr Mike Mead, GP and medical adviser to the BPA claims that: “High blood pressure is a serious health condition. Uncontrolled..it is the biggest cause of death and disability.. But this is preventable.We urge everyone to make it their New Year’s resolution to have a blood pressure check and lead a healthier lifestyle to lower their numbers.”
The First Aid Warehouse is committed to enabling people to monitor their blood pressure accurately and effectively. It only stocks monitors from manufacturers who have products validated by the British Hypertension Society, including A&D, Microlife and Omron. Self-checks can be done in the privacy of your own home using one of the many reliable and accurate monitors stocked. Some people are actually asked by their doctor or nurse to measure blood pressure at home for a short period of time, to find out what it is like away from the surgery. Sometimes blood pressure can be higher when taken in a clinical or medical environment. This is commonly known as white coat hypertension and can be caused by feeling anxious while waiting to see the doctor, or by being in a clinical environment. Readings taken at home are often lower than those taken at the GP’s surgery, and can be seen to give a more accurate picture of normal levels for the individual.
This article is brought to you by First Aid Warehouse , UK’s premier supplier of medical equipment and accessories. A one-stop shop for high quality first aid kits, blood pressure monitors, medical plasters, medical furniture, sport first aid kits, travel first aid kits and stethoscopes.
