High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than a quarter of all adults in the UK. It could be caused by eating an unhealthy diet, or by not doing enough exercise. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on your blood vessels and vital organs, and it could be deadly. You could lower your chances of developing high blood pressure by regularly eating eggs, it’s been claimed
Eggs could help to lower your blood pressure, as they contain proteins that work in a similar way to hypertension medication, scientists have claimed.
After they’ve been cooked, the protein in eggs produce chemicals known as peptides.
Peptides work to stop the production of chemicals in the body that have been linked to high blood pressure.
“While you shouldn’t go crazy and eat multiple eggs per day, eating them a few times a week may have some blood pressure benefits,” said medical website LiveStrong.
“A study published in ‘The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ in December 2005 found that people who ate one to three eggs per week had an 11 to 21 per cent lower risk for developing high blood pressure than those who ate eggs less often.
“The protein content in eggs, which have 6.3 grams per large egg, may be partly responsible for their potential beneficial effects on blood pressure levels.”
Charity Blood Pressure UK added: “It appears that, when they are cooked, the proteins found in eggs produce chemicals [called peptides] which act in a similar way to some blood pressure medicines.
“These peptides work to block the production of a chemical called angiotensin, which raises blood pressure.”
Eating more eggs could also help you to lose weight, which subsequently lowers your blood pressure.
They’re very filling, which means you’re more likely to eat less later in the day.
Eggs could also benefit the health of your eyes, as they contain antioxidants which protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.
You could lower your risk of high blood pressure by eating a healthy, balanced diet, which includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
It’s also important to cut back on the amount of salt in your diet. Everyone should aim to eat less than 6g of salt in a single day – the equivalent to about a teaspoonful.
High blood pressure is often known as ‘the silent killer’, because the symptoms only tend to reveal themselves if your blood pressure is extremely high.
But, common high blood pressure symptoms to watch out for include a pounding in your chest, finding blood in your urine, and severe headaches.
Everyone over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least once every five years.