High blood pressure: THIS seemingly healthy food can lead to hypertension

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. High BP or hypertension can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Your diet plays a huge role in managing your blood pressure levels. A healthy diet can cut your risk of health problems while certain foods can boost your chances of getting serious diseases. One such food which is widely consumed first thing in the morning and should actually be avoided altogether, is breakfast cereals.

Packaged cereals come with added sugars and your body might not appreciate this choice for your morning meal. These added sugars in your favourite breakfast option can lead to high blood pressure. They are also high in calories and often provide very little or no nutritional value. It can also lead to diabetes. So the last thing you need to start your day with is a high-sugar cereal.

According to a 2014 review of research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that considered over 11,000 studies, sugar is a significant cause of high blood pressure.

Even low-sugar cereals can boost blood sugar because they are usually composed primarily of refined carbohydrates and most people eat two to four times the recommended serving size.

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According to research, foods such as leafy greens, berries, beans, lentils, seeds, fatty fish, citrus fruits, and carrots may help you to maintain optimal blood pressure levels. So for a healthy breakfast, you can opt for fresh, seasonal fruits instead of cereal. Fruits are packed with many essential vitamins, minerals, fibers and carbohydrates and will also add a natural sweet flavour to your breakfast. Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice. They are an excellent source of protein and help you keep feeling full for a long time. Another healthy option is oatmeal. Oats are a good source of iron, B vitamins, manganese, magnesium and zinc.

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Apart from breakfast cereal, there are several other sugary foods which make their way to our breakfast menu. Some of these top sources of free sugars in our diets which should be avoided include table sugar, jams and preserves, confectionery items such as sweets and chocolates, fruit juices, soft drinks, biscuits, buns and cakes. Opt for naturally sweet foods, instead of processed, refined and packaged foods.