High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, liver damage, and kidney failure. While fruit is generally beneficial for people with high blood pressure, some fruits can have negative effects. The five worst fruits for high blood pressure are:
1. Canned fruit: often packaged in syrup, high in sugar, and contains added sodium.
2. Ripe bananas: high in sugar, can cause blood pressure spikes, and may interfere with certain medications.
3. Grapefruit: can interfere with medication absorption, including statins and blood pressure medications.
4. Some fruit juices: lack fiber, causing blood sugar spikes, and may contain added salt.
5. Crystallized and candied fruit: high in added sugar, including high fructose corn syrup, which can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to heart disease.
It's essential to consume fruits in moderation and be aware of the potential risks associated with certain types. Instead, opt for whole fruits, which contain fiber and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, liver damage, and kidney failure.
2. People with high blood pressure often don't know they have the condition until damage has already occurred.
3. High blood pressure is caused by blood pressing against artery walls with too much force.
4. The heart and arteries have to work harder with high blood pressure, which can damage the heart muscle.
5. High blood pressure can lead to the formation of tiny tears in artery walls and the accumulation of fatty plaque.
6. Fresh fruit is generally beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
7. Canned fruit is often packaged in syrup that is high in sugar and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
8. Canned fruit can be problematic for people with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels.
9. A study found that eating canned fruit was associated with a 17% increase in premature death.
10. Ripe bananas are high in sugar and can cause blood pressure to spike.
11. Green or unripe bananas contain resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that can help digestion and immunity.
12. Grapefruit can interfere with the absorption of some medications, including statins and blood pressure medications.
13. Grapefruit contains an enzyme that can block the metabolism of certain drugs, leading to higher doses entering the bloodstream.
14. Fruit juice can be high in sugar and low in fiber, leading to spikes in blood sugar levels.
15. Orange juice is particularly high in sugar and can be detrimental to people with high blood pressure.
16. Tomato juice often contains high levels of added salt, which can be bad for people with high blood pressure.
17. Cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate juices may have potential benefits for people with high blood pressure.
18. Beetroot juice is high in dietary nitrates, which can reduce blood pressure.
19. Crystallized and candied fruits are high in added sugar and can be detrimental to people with high blood pressure.
20. High fructose corn syrup is a common additive in food and has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
21. Dried fruits, such as prunes, can support healthy blood pressure in moderation.