High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of those conditions that can remain unnoticed for years. A person may feel perfectly well while their blood pressure is gradually putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Diet is an important part of managing the condition.
For Nigerians, eating for better blood pressure does not mean abandoning familiar foods or buying expensive imported products. Simple changes to everyday meals can make a difference.
The focus should be on eating more nutritious, minimally processed foods while cutting down on excess salt, highly processed foods and unhealthy cooking habits.
In this article, Tribune Online highlights practical dietary changes Nigerians can make to support healthier blood pressure.
Eat more potassium-rich local foods
Potassium plays an important role in maintaining normal blood pressure. It helps the body to get rid of excess sodium through urine, while also supporting normal muscle and nerve function. Fortunately, potassium-rich foods are common in Nigerian markets. Plantain, beans, vegetables, bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes and other fruits and vegetables can all contribute potassium to the diet.
Reduce salt in your meals
When it comes to blood pressure, the amount of salt in a person’s overall diet matters.
Many people think only about the salt they sprinkle on food, but sodium can also come from seasoning cubes, instant noodles, processed meats, packaged snacks, canned foods and other processed products.
A simple starting point is to reduce the amount of salt added during cooking. The change does not have to happen overnight. Gradually reducing salt allows the palate to adjust.
Flavour does not have to disappear with the salt. Onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, peppers and local herbs can add plenty of flavour to Nigerian meals. Reducing sodium intake is one of the established dietary measures for lowering blood pressure.
Reduce excessive use of seasoning cubes
Seasoning cubes are a regular feature of many Nigerian kitchens, but excessive use can add significant amounts of sodium to meals.
The concern is not necessarily one seasoning cube on its own. The problem can arise when several cubes are used in one pot, alongside salt and other sources of sodium throughout the day.
People trying to control their blood pressure can reduce the quantity of seasoning cubes they use and rely more on natural ingredients for flavour. It is also worth checking the label of packaged seasonings where nutrition information is available. Comparing sodium content can help consumers to make better choices.
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Add unsweetened zobo in your diet
Zobo, made from Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a familiar Nigerian drink that has been studied for its possible effect on blood pressure.
Research has found that hibiscus preparations may modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with elevated blood pressure. This makes unsweetened zobo an interesting addition to a healthy diet, although it should not be presented as a cure for hypertension. How the drink is prepared matters.
Adding large quantities of sugar defeats some of the advantages of choosing it over sugary soft drinks.
Put more vegetables on your plate
Vegetables should have a regular place in meals for anyone trying to eat for better heart health. Nigerian households have plenty of options, including spinach and other leafy vegetables, okra, garden eggs, carrots, tomatoes, peppers and other locally available produce.
Rather than serving a very large portion of rice, yam, Eba, or another staple with only a small amount of vegetables, increase the vegetable portion and keep the staple to a sensible serving.
Vegetables also provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and other compounds that contribute to an overall healthy diet.
Make beans a regular meal
Beans are affordable, filling and widely available across Nigeria. They provide plant protein, fibre and important minerals, making them a useful food for a heart-healthy eating pattern. They can be prepared as bean porridge, moi moi or served alongside other foods.
The preparation, however, matters. A bean meal containing excessive salt, processed meat and large amounts of oil is a different proposition from a simple, moderately seasoned bean dish.
Choose fresh foods more often
A diet dominated by highly processed foods can make sodium, sugar and unhealthy fat intake harder to control. Processed meats, salty snacks, instant foods and other packaged products can contain substantial amounts of sodium.
Eating them frequently can work against efforts to reduce salt intake. This does not mean Nigerians must completely eliminate every packaged food. Instead, fresh or minimally processed foods should make up a larger proportion of the regular diet.
Fresh fish, beans, vegetables, fruits and other locally available foods can provide the foundation for healthier meals.
Do not let carbohydrates dominate every meal
Rice, yam, garri, potatoes, plantain and other carbohydrate-rich foods are an important part of Nigerian diets. There is no need to eliminate them simply because someone has high blood pressure.
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