High blood pressure diet: Herbal tea helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure
High blood pressure can be a warning sign of impending health complications, so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked. While some foods have been linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, others have been linked to lowering an important blood pressure reading — including this herbal tea.
High blood pressure is often nicknamed the ‘silent killer’ because the condition can be life-threatening, with few noticeable – if any – symptoms.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, cardiac arrest, and stroke.
According to Blood Pressure UK, more than five million people in the UK are likely to have high blood pressure without being diagnosed.
While high blood pressure is amazingly dangerous, making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can reduce your risk – including drinking this tea.
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Hibiscus tea
This bright red, tart, and floral tea has been linked to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, among other health benefits.
Studies have looked at the effects of drinking hibiscus tea on blood pressure, with many finding that drinking this tea lowers people’s blood pressure readings.
One study conducted a group of 65 people, half of whom were given hibiscus tea and half were given a placebo.
Other health benefits of hibiscus tea
In addition to helping raise blood pressure, hibiscus tea has many health benefits.
This tea is full of antioxidants that can limit cell damage.
Drinking hibiscus tea may also help with weight loss, as it is low in calories and can help reduce cravings for snacks.
Replacing sugary or alcoholic beverages with hibiscus tea can save you a lot of calories, as well as prevent liver damage in case of alcoholism.
What is normal blood pressure?
According to the NHS, a healthy blood pressure reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is considered anything higher than 140/90mmHg.
If you smoke, are overweight or have a family history of heart disease, you are considered “at risk” for high blood pressure and should have it checked once a year.
The NHS also recommends that anyone over the age of 40 have their blood pressure checked every five years.
Source: | This article first appeared on Express.co.uk