The issue of three high diseases is familiar to most people, especially as they age and their physical condition deteriorates and dietary habits are not adjusted in time, the probability of developing hypertension problems at this time is very high.
The disease data center shows: the number of hypertension patients in China has reached 114.5 million (males account for about 37.4%, females account for about 42.1%).
Most hypertension patients can stabilize their blood pressure through proper diet or taking antihypertensive drugs. Nowadays, it is often heard that hypertension patients worsen their condition by eating walnuts. Is this statement correct? Let’s find out together.
【What are the nutritional components of walnuts?】
Walnuts are oily seeds rich in nutrients. They contain about 12%-25% protein, over 60% fat, and approximately 10% carbohydrates.
Walnuts are high in unsaturated fatty acids and rich in vitamin E, which is beneficial for preventing nutrition-related chronic diseases.
The biological value of protein in walnuts is not high because they lack sufficient amounts of the amino acids methionine and lysine.
Walnuts are rich in minerals and contain abundant vitamin E, B vitamins, as well as potassium, calcium, zinc, and iron.
【Can walnuts be eaten on an empty stomach?】
Raw: It is not recommended to eat walnuts on an empty stomach.
Eating walnuts on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach and cause discomfort. It is also not conducive to the absorption of nutrients in walnuts, leading to wastage of nutrients and affecting digestion and absorption of food. It is best to eat walnuts after breakfast or during breakfast to increase nutrition, improve the nutritional balance of breakfast, and promote digestion and absorption.
【How many walnuts are suitable to eat in a day?】
Walnuts are recognized as a beneficial nut for the body, containing rich nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and various micronutrients and minerals.
Eating walnuts in moderation can meet the body’s nutritional needs. It is generally recommended that adults eat around 4 walnuts a day, while children can eat 1-2 walnuts a day.
When consuming walnuts, it is important to note that while most people can eat walnuts, not everyone is suitable for them. Due to the high fat content of walnuts, they can exacerbate conditions such as loose stools, abdominal heat, phlegm-fire cough, hemoptysis, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary tuberculosis. It is also recommended to avoid consuming walnuts at the same time as white wine, chicken, duck, and other foods.
1. Alleviate stress
Nowadays, people of all ages, from the elderly to kindergarten children, are under different types of pressure, including pressure from society, family, school, and work.
However, life must go on, and everyone must persevere in completing their tasks and taking on their responsibilities. If the pressure becomes too great, eating more walnuts can help. Studies have shown that fatty acids and walnut oil can alleviate stress, making them suitable for people under high stress and with low moods to consume long-term.
2. Aid digestion and relieve constipation
The benefits of long-term consumption of walnuts are quite noticeable. After eating walnuts for a period, one may notice an acceleration in bowel movements, allowing the body to expel waste toxins more quickly and maintain a healthy intestinal environment.
Walnuts are rich in nutrients and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Additionally, they contain abundant fatty acids, which can aid digestion and relieve constipation. People who suffer from chronic constipation can consume walnuts in moderation to nourish their bodies.
3. Prevent angular cheilitis
Walnuts are rich in vitamin E and B vitamins, and have strong antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is beneficial for children’s growth and development. B vitamins are important nutrients for preventing conditions like oral ulcers and angular cheilitis.
4. Reduce the risk of cancer
Walnuts contain significant amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin B2, and pantothenic acid, as well as essential micronutrients needed by the body. Regular consumption of walnuts can effectively reduce the risk of cancer and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. For women, consuming walnuts regularly can help prevent breast cancer, while for men, it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Doctors: Hypertensive patients can eat walnuts.
Nuts like walnuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels. When cholesterol levels decrease, blood viscosity also decreases, reducing peripheral blood resistance and alleviating hypertension. Therefore, hypertensive patients can benefit from consuming substances rich in unsaturated fatty acids in their daily lives to help improve their condition.
However, it is not advisable to consume walnuts in large quantities all at once due to their high fat content, as this may increase the burden on the intestines, potentially leading to symptoms such as diarrhea. Hypertension, as a controllable but lifelong chronic disease, is mainly controlled through proper medication to manage blood pressure. Common antihypertensive drugs include nitrendipine and captopril, and the specific dosage and type of medication should be personalized by the doctor based on the patient’s individual circumstances. In addition, regular monitoring of blood pressure fluctuations and follow-up visits are necessary.
Doctors remind: To prevent high blood pressure, try to eat less of the “2 Reds and 2 Whites.”
【2 Reds】
1. Red Braised Pork
In the process of making red-braised pork, a large amount of cooking oil and seasonings are added. Although it tastes delicious, high-temperature cooking produces a lot of fat. Prolonged consumption of red-braised pork can lead to the accumulation of a large amount of fat in the stomach, leading to indigestion and causing obesity. The long-term accumulation of fats in the stomach can easily lead to increased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and harm to overall health.
2. Red Chili
Many people enjoy eating spicy food in daily life, but for hypertensive patients, spicy foods such as chili are not recommended. Components like capsaicin found in chili can stimulate blood vessels, causing blood pressure to soar and leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
【2 Whites】
1. White Sugar
White sugar is a simple ingredient commonly used in cooking dishes, making porridge, and preparing desserts. However, for hypertensive patients, avoid prolonged consumption of white sugar to maintain stable blood pressure.
2. Salt
Salt intake should be controlled and maintained at about 5-6 grams per day to avoid the accumulation of salt in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and other issues. It is essential to monitor salt intake levels to prevent potential vascular health concerns caused by excessive iodine intake.
