High blood pressure is extremely common, with around one in three UK adults having the condition. If left untreated, it can cause health problems. Also known as hypertension, it’s one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, your diet is a great way to help keep blood pressure in check, and this is where four fruit juices come into play.
It is advised to consume foods and drinks high in potassium, as the mineral works to remove sodium from the body, something which raises blood pressure. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium the body is able to excrete through urine. The essential mineral also helps to relax blood vessel walls, further reducing blood pressure.
The Harvard School of Public Health explains: “Sodium and potassium are two interrelated minerals that play major roles in regulating blood pressure and a healthy heart. Eating less salty foods and more potassium-rich foods may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potassium is found in many foods, especially fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy. But eating a lot of sodium-rich foods especially from processed breads, packaged snacks, canned goods, and fast-food meals while skimping on potassium can increase cardiovascular disease risk.”
There are four fruit drinks that possess high amounts of the mineral; these are the fresh juice from passion fruits, pomegranates, oranges and tangerines.
