High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than 25 per cent of all adults in the UK. The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs. You could be at risk of high blood pressure if you eat an unhealthy diet, or if you don’t do enough exercise. But you may be able to avoid hypertension by regularly drinking coconut water, it’s been claimed.
It is the relatively high level of potassium that is getting coconut water attention
LiveStrong
Coconut water is the clear liquid that you find at the centre of coconuts – sometimes confused with coconut milk, which is squeezed out of the coconut.
The drink could lower your risk of high blood pressure as it’s relatively rich in potassium, according to medical website LiveStrong.
Potassium is crucial to reducing your blood pressure, as it balances out the negative effects of sodium on the body.
“The water is sugary and contains potassium, sodium, calcium, vitamin C and other nutrients,” it said.
“It is the relatively high level of potassium that is getting coconut water attention as a possible treatment for high blood pressure.
“Potassium, both as the supplement potassium chloride and the food component potassium citrate, can help lower blood pressure.
“Potassium helps balance out the level of sodium in your blood and keeps your body functioning properly.
“The idea behind drinking coconut water is that the potassium it contains will function much like any other food containing potassium.”
Meanwhile, you could also lower your risk of high blood pressure by regularly drinking hibiscus tea, it’s been claimed.
The tea contains anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid that are claimed to improve blood vessel function.
Look out for tea made from hibiscus flowers with a deep magenta colour for the best antihypertensive effect.
High blood pressure is often known as ‘the silent killer’, as many people may have the condition without even knowing it.
Signs of hypertension only tend to reveal themselves if you have extremely high blood pressure.
Common high blood pressure symptoms include nosebleeds, having a pounding in the chest, and finding blood in your urine.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist to have your blood pressure checked. All adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least once every five years.
Diagnosing the condition early is very important, as high blood pressure raises the risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
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