High blood pressure is commonly referred to as the “silent killer” because it does not produce any symptoms but it initiates a deadly mechanism that can lead to heart disease, a process whereby the heart is starved of oxygen and blood. It does this by narrowing the arteries that transport blood to your heart. Cholesterol, a waxy substance that builds up in your blood, operates in a similar fashion.
READ MORE
-
High blood pressure – the hidden warning sign of hypertension in eyes
In fact, the two are linked. When the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol deposits, the heart has to strain much harder to pump blood through them.
As a result, blood pressure becomes abnormally high.
Conversely, high blood pressure can also lead to the buildup of cholesterol.
High blood pressure causes the blood vessels to harden and constrict, which causes cholesterol to build up and block the supply of blood being transported to the heart.
Luckily, certain dietary items have been shown to break this chain by reducing both high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Research has found that compounds found in peaches may lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Test-tube studies show that peaches may bind to bile acids — compounds produced by your liver from cholesterol.
DON’T MISS
How to live longer: Adding this drink to your daily routine may boost your life expectancy [TIPS]
Hair loss treatment: The essential oil proven to promote hair growth [TIPS]
How to live longer: A drink to prevent cancer, liver damage and to boost life expectancy [TIPS]
The bound bile acids — together with the cholesterol they contain — are eventually excreted through your faeces, which may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, test-tube and animal studies found that peaches may reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels (the harmful form of cholesterol), as well as blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
Triglyceride is another waxy substance found in your blood that also raises your risk of heart disease.
Bolstering the link to high blood pressure, research in obese rats further reported that peach juice may lower levels of the hormone angiotensin II that raises blood pressure.
READ MORE
-
How to live longer: One gesture could prolong your life expectancy
Other dietary tips to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
It is imperative to watch your salt intake to keep your blood pressure in check.
As Blood Pressure UK explains, eating salt raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream and wrecks the delicate balance, reducing the ability of your kidneys to remove the water.
The result is a higher blood pressure due to the extra fluid and extra strain on the delicate blood vessels leading to the kidneys.
The NHS says to eat less than six grams (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful.
Exercise is also critical to lowering blood pressure.
The NHS explains: “Being active and taking regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.”
As the health body points out, regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure.
“Adults should do at least 150 minutes (two hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week,” it says.
Source: Read Full Article