New Delhi: Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health problem these days. Blood pressure refers to the pace at which blood crashes against artery walls and when it is too high and for a long time, it can damage the artery walls and also raise the risk of heart diseases – chronic or acute – such as stroke or a heart attack. When suffering from this condition, the heart needs to work twice as hard to pump blood all over the body. But to combat it, doctors recommend cutting down on salt intake and diuretics. Bananas, and other foods rich in potassium can also do the trick. But there is another nutrient-dense fruit that can do the trick – it is apricots.
How do apricots help with hypertension management?
According to experts, one of the leading causes of a hypertension diet is excess intake of salt. This increases blood pressure and damages the heart. But apricots can also work well for the purpose. Sodium build-up in the body due to excessive salt intake can cause the body to retain water and it is also pulled back into the bloodstream. The more water blood vessels hold, the higher is pressure within them.
Why doctors advise abstaining from salt because it helps lower blood pressure significantly. But there are other ways as well of limiting the side effects of salt on the body. Potassium is one nutrient that helps combat the negative effects of excessive salt intake. The American Heart Association also recommends the same – the more potassium one eats, the more sodium is lost through urine.
Potassium also helps ease tension in the blood vessel walls which further lowers blood pressure. Bananas are a go-to source of the same. For every 100 grams, one gets 300mg of potassium. But dried apricots have a lot more of the nutrient – 1162mg per 100 grams. This can help lower high blood pressure naturally. On the plus side, it can improve heart health, immunity, diabetes and immunity. And timely management of hypertension is a must as it is a silent killer – one that aggravates silently thereby raising the risk of early death.
According to experts, one of the leading causes of a hypertension diet is excess intake of salt. This increases blood pressure and damages the heart. But apricots can also work well for the purpose. Sodium build-up in the body due to excessive salt intake can cause the body to retain water and it is also pulled back into the bloodstream. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
