Cardiologist shares four breakfast foods for better blood pressure
Cardiologist shares four breakfast foods for better blood pressure
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Three breakfast items can help give you a healthier start to the day, according to an expert. Dr Michael Twyman of Apollo Cardiology in St. Louis highlighted the foods you should consider incorporating into your breakfast to manage your blood pressure better - starting with protein, a common component on many morning tables.
The cardiologist stated: "Protein is important for muscle synthesis, so shoot for at least 30 grams of protein at your first meal of the day." Two average eggs contain about 13 grams of protein. Consuming extra protein, especially when combined with strength training, can up your muscle mass and that's linked with a reduced risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Nonetheless, it's worth being aware that some protein-rich breakfast favourites such as eggs, bacon, and sausages come with potential drawbacks.
Despite eggs having considerable cholesterol, Dr Twyman assured Eating Well: "Dietary cholesterol does not raise serum cholesterol, so don't worry about the cholesterol content of eggs." Secondly, he advised kicking off the day with fibre to dodge an early glucose spike, which could lead to complications like insulin resistance, cravings, and raised blood sugar, ultimately affecting blood pressure over the long term.
Starting your day with fibre can set the pace for your digestion, helping to keep glucose levels steady. Breakfast is also a prime time to get your fill of fibre, with plenty of options ranging from whole grain cereals to oats and fruit. The doctor elaborated: "Foods high in dietary nitrates, like dark leafy greens and beets, provide the body with compounds that help produce nitric oxide." This crucial component plays a significant role in reducing blood pressure and preventing the onset of hypertension.