Low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow temporarily
High blood pressure or hypertension has become more common than ever. It is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Several factors can affect your blood pressure numbers including the food you eat, your level of physical activity throughout the day, your salt and sugar intake and much more. Not many know that there are a few non-modifiable factors that can increase your blood pressure. One of these factors is weather. The cold weather can pose challenges in controlling high blood pressure.
Cold weather and blood pressure
People with hypertension are likely to see an increase in blood pressure during the winter season. This happens because low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, temporarily. As a result, more pressure is needed to pump blood through narrowed veins and arteries, contributing to high blood pressure. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to follow all necessary precautions that can help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Diet plays a crucial role in controlling and managing BP. Here we've a list of winter foods that you can add to your diet for healthy blood pressure numbers.
Winter foods to control blood pressure
1. Spinach
Potassium effectively lowers blood pressure. Spinach is a good source of potassium and other heart-friendly nutrients like folate and magnesium.
Spinach and other leafy greens are also low-sodium foods.
2. Methi
Methi leaves or fenugreek leaves are commonly used during the winter season. These leaves are high in fibre with low salt content. Methi seeds are also known for lowering cholesterol levels.
You can use both leaves and seeds of fenugreek. But do not overconsume.
3. Oranges
Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that can help keep your heart healthy. According to the studies, oranges can help lower blood pressure. Both orange and orange juice are good for your overall heart health.
4. Radish
Radish is another winter vegetable that can help in controlling blood pressure. The high potassium content of mooli can help maintain sodium-potassium balance in the body. From salads to parathas, radish can be used in different ways in winter.
5. Carrots
Sweet, crunchy and highly nutritious carrots can offer multiple health benefits. Carrots contain beneficial plant-based compounds that assist in various health processes including blood pressure.
It can be difficult to stay physically active during winter. However, you can switch to home workouts to boost heart health. One should also monitor their salt and sugar intake for healthy blood pressure.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.