DASH diet is not a popular term. Many usually have no idea what it means the first time I ever heard of it and therefore end up doing some research. So, what exactly is dash diet and what linking does it have with Hypertension?
What is “DASH Diet”?
DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It refers to an eating plan that prioritizes food items that lowers blood pressure with the aid of present nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, protein, calcium, fiber? These includes whole grains, fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy.
The high point of the DASH diet is that there are ingredients that should be avoided as much as possible.
Salt
This is the first and the most important food item to avoid in the courses of designing and preparing a DASH diet. This is because salt contains Sodium, which is capable of damaging the walls of the blood vessels if consumed in essence, due to induced blood pressure.
Sugar
This is often a whiteish substance known by several other names, like brown sugar, turbinado agave, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses. It also comes in the form of date sugar, malt syrup, fruit juice concentrates, raw sugar, pancake syrup, maple syrup, and dextrose.
Over the years, sugar consumption has been identified to be a culprit on many levels. However, its toxicity with respect to High blood pressure is rooted in the fact that it will add calories to an ideal diet with low nutritional value.
While sugar comes in a variety of shapes such as grains, cubes, etc., it is vital to note that a teaspoon contains between 4 to 5 grams of sugar. It is believed that this information will help in the proper administration of sugar in diets if there is a need for it.
Nitrates
Some might have it twisted, confusing nitrates to be another form of salt. However, there is a contrast. Sodium nitrate is a naturally occurring chemical compound during photosynthesis and it is used for preserving salty processed foods.
From documented findings, it has been discovered that excessive nitrate -compounded ingredients in processed foods increases the chance of a heart attack in consumers. To this end, nitrates are best avoided in dash diets. Rather, fresh foods and simple diets are often recommended.
Semi-hydrogenated oil
These are also known as Trans fats. Several experiments by food scientists have established a strong connection between heart disease and insulin resistance. Particularly, findings have revealed that of all dietary fats, trans fats are the most hazardous. The risk factor here is even more significant in the case of weighty individuals.
Hence, you might want to avoid processed snacks, cookies and other foods using vegetable shortenings and margarine. Because they often consist of Semi-hydrogenated oil
Conclusion
Dash diet might not be a popular concept to most people. However, individuals who have been managing hypertension are often familiar with it. In any case, it is vital that everyone knows how it works because it is beneficial for individuals on both sides of the divide.
Hypertensive patients get a better understanding of what their diet should contain. On the other hand, non-hypertensive individuals get to know ingredients they should be wary of if they want to maintain a good cardiovascular health.
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