Highlights
- High blood pressure or hypertension has become a global concern
- More than a third of adults in China suffer from high blood pressure
- Strokes are the leading cause of death in China
High blood pressure or hypertension has become a global concern; considering the sedentary lifestyles we live and the amount of stress we take has taken a toll on our body. Turns out, more than a third of adults in China suffer from high blood pressure, but only one in 20 are able to effectively manage their condition. According to the research published in the Lancet, a leading medical journal, strokes are the leading cause of death in China, accounting for one in five deaths annually, with uncontrolled high blood pressure a significant risk factor. A less than a quarter of people with hypertension in China takes medication and treatment among those who receive it was found to be ineffective and unsuitable.
Moreover, in addition to the problem of access, despite the availability of low-cost antihypertensive medications, higher cost medications were more often prescribed. According to the researchers, blood pressure levels in China are increasing likely because of an ageing population, urabnisation, dietary changes and obesity.
Blood pressure is become a very common problem, owing to many factors that may include obesity, stress, unhealthy diet, ageing and more. Not only China, other countries including India is fighting with the hypertension.
Here are a few dietary changes that you can make in order to stay fit and prevent such conditions-
1. Banana
Bananas are low in sodium and are a great source of potassium that helps lower blood pressure. Incorporate them in your diet, which may include cereal, cake, breads, smoothies, et al.
2. Spinach
The green leafy delight is low in calories, high in fiber and packed with nutrients like potassium, folate, magnesium, which are the key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels.
3. Avocados
The oleic acid found in avocados can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also contain potassium and folate, both of which are essential for the heart health.
4. Beetroot
The crimson root vegetable is rich in nitrates, which s known to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Drinking a glass of beetroot juice can yield a five-point drop in blood pressure, as per an Australian study.
You can eat more foods like celery, watermelon, sunflower seeds, oranges, carrots and oatmeal in order to stay healthy.