High blood pressure affects one in four people in the UK, according to government figures, but the condition can be difficult to detect as symptoms are rarely noticeable, hence the title “the silent killer”. To help manage the condition and reduce any health fatalities, one needs to be vigilant with the foods they eat. For many cheese lovers, there is a cheese that has been proven to help lower readings.
Dairy products, like cheese, can be a good source of calcium, which keeps bones strong, but can also be high in saturated fat, and some cheeses can be very high in salt, according to Blood Pressure UK. Too much salt in a diet directly effect blood pressure.
Blood Pressure UK said on their website: “Salt makes your body hold on to water.
If you eat too much salt, the extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure.
The higher your blood pressure, the greater the strain on your heart, arteries, kidneys and brain.”
Many think they should give up eating cheese completely if they want to lower their readings which is a myth, according to Heart Matters. “You don’t have to cut cheese out of your diet, but if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, use high-fat cheeses sparingly.
“A 30g portion of cheese provides seven per cent of your daily calories and there can be more salt in a portion of cheddar than in a packet of crisps.”
The best choice for cheese lovers, according to leading dietician, Doctor Sarah Schenker is mozzarella. “Low fat dairy foods such as milk, yoghurts, forage frais and reduced fat cheese provide plenty of calcium which works with potassium to help lower blood pressure.
“Mozzarella is one of the naturally lower salt, lower fat cheeses and half fat versions are also available,” she said.
Heart Matters added: “Keep cheese portions small and weigh them to reduce temptation.
“Using lower-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese or reduced fat cheeses will provide less saturated fat.”
Goats cheese and low-fat cheeses such as soft or cottage cheese have also been proven to help lower blood pressure readings.
Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products can help a person to lower their blood pressure readings.
It is important to try and reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol from your diet as this plays havoc with readings.
Lifestyle plays an important role in treating high blood pressure.
If a person is able to successfully control their blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, they may be able to delay, reduce, or even avoid the need to take medication.
