Hello everyone, I’m Lao Liu!
In the wave of healthy eating, the connection between various foods and health has received much attention. Recently, rumors about the relationship between loofah and blood pressure have sparked discussions online. Some say loofah is a “killer” of blood pressure and can significantly lower it, but others are skeptical. So, what is the relationship between loofah and blood pressure? And why do doctors warn us to eat these three things less for stable blood pressure? Let’s explore this issue further.
The “love and hate” between loofah and blood pressure
Loofah, as one of the common summer vegetables, is loved for its refreshing taste and rich nutritional value. However, the claim that loofah can lower blood pressure has left people puzzled.
In fact, loofah itself does not directly lower blood pressure. It contains rich potassium and dietary fiber, which are helpful in maintaining blood pressure stability. Potassium is essential for maintaining normal physiological functions in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, promote the excretion of sodium ions, and lower blood pressure. Dietary fiber can increase bowel movements, promote defecation, reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body, and provide certain benefits for improving cardiovascular health.
However, it is important to note that loofah cannot be used as a standalone antihypertensive medication. For individuals with hypertension, relying solely on consuming loofah to lower blood pressure is far from sufficient. In the process of hypertension treatment, a combination of medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes is necessary for comprehensive blood pressure control.
Doctors caution: to maintain stable blood pressure, avoid consuming these 3 items
In addition to loofah, doctors also caution against consuming the following 3 types of food items to maintain stable blood pressure:
High-salt foods
High-salt foods are one of the main factors leading to hypertension. Excessive salt intake can cause water retention in the body, increase the burden on the heart, and raise blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with hypertension should minimize salt intake in their daily diet, avoid consuming overly salty foods such as pickles and preserved products.
According to the latest data, the average daily salt intake of Chinese residents far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 5 grams. Long-term high-salt diets not only lead to hypertension but also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, and other conditions. Therefore, reducing salt intake from daily diet and gradually adopting a low-salt diet should be encouraged.
High-fat foods
High-fat foods are also significant contributors to hypertension. Excessive fat intake can elevate blood lipids, increase blood viscosity, and aggravate the burden on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, individuals with hypertension should avoid high-fat foods in their daily diet, such as fatty meats and animal organs.
In addition, in modern life, fast food, fried foods, and other high-fat foods are readily available. These foods not only have tempting flavors but also often contain large amounts of trans fats and saturated fatty acids, which are extremely detrimental to cardiovascular health. Therefore, reducing the intake of these foods and opting for a healthy, low-fat diet is recommended.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a “hidden killer” of hypertension. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can cause blood vessel constriction, elevated blood pressure, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, individuals with hypertension should avoid or limit alcohol consumption in their daily lives.
However, in reality, many people have insufficient awareness of the dangers of alcohol and may even consider drinking as a social or lifestyle habit.
Loofah is not a “killer” of blood pressure but provides some assistance in maintaining stable blood pressure. However, to truly control blood pressure, a multifaceted approach involving diet, medication, and lifestyle changes is necessary. In terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid high-salt, high-fat, and alcohol consumption which are detrimental to cardiovascular health. Additionally, follow medical advice for medication intake and regular check-ups, maintain good sleep habits, an appropriate level of physical activity, and a positive mindset. Only then can we achieve healthy blood pressure and a better quality of life.
