Highlights
- A person's gender may also affect the risk of hypertension
- A report by NIN shows that hypertension is more common among men
- The report showed that the incidence of diabetes was also higher
Hypertension is a condition where the blood force in the arteries is persistently too high. It is also commonly known as high blood pressure. A lot of factors like your age, diet, weight, lifestyle and general health condition may affect the risk of hypertension. A new report, issued by the National Institute of Nutrition in India (NIN), indicates that a person's gender may also affect the risk of hypertension. According to the report, the prevalence of hypertension among urban men and women in the country was 31 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.
The report, 'Diet and Nutritional Status of Urban Population and Prevalence of Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes and its Associated Non-Communicable Diseases', was released on the occasion of NIN Foundation Day. It shows that the prevalence of diabetes among men was also higher than women. For the survey, about 1.72 lakh people from 16 states across the country were involved.
Your diet can play a crucial role in maintaining and controlling blood pressure. Here are five foods that may help control hypertension as suggested by Wellness Expert Preeti Rao.
1. Lemon: Lemon is one of the best remedies for hypertension. It is known to make the blood vessels soft and flexible, lowering blood pressure level.
2. Watermelon Seeds: Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries.
3. Garlic: Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure and at the same time reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide.
4. Bananas: They are one of the best remedies to control hypertension. Banana is a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium.
5. Celery: Phthalates found in celery help relax the muscles in and around the arterial walls, thereby creating more space and allowing the blood to flow in without difficulty.
Besides these simple diet tweaks, you must make it a habit to exercise or indulge in some kind of physical activity at least for 30 minutes daily.
Inputs from PTI