High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of all UK adults.
The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra pressure on blood vessels and vital organs, including the heart and lungs.
But making some small changes to your diet plan could lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Eating more natural, unsweetened yogurt could help to reduce hypertension risk, it’s been claimed.
Yogurt is packed full of nutrients that help to keep bones strong and lower blood pressure, according to medical website WebMD.
It contains potassium, which counteracts the hypertensive effect of sodium, it added.
Making sure you get enough potassium in your diet is crucial to maintaining a healthy blood pressure, said charity Blood Pressure UK.
“Potassium is a key mineral that the body relies on heavily to function properly,” it said. “It helps to lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of salt.
“Your kidneys help to control your blood pressure by controlling the amount of fluid stored in your body. The more fluid, the higher your blood pressure.
“Eating salt raises the amount of sodium in your bloodstream and wrecks the delicate balance, reducing the ability of your kidneys to remove the water.
“By eating more fruit and vegetables, you will increase your potassium levels and help to restore the delicate balance.
“This will help your kidneys to work more efficiently – and help to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level.”
Yogurt is a great source of potassium. 100g of non-fat Greek yogurt contains around 141mg of the nutrient.
Adding more yogurt to your diet could also improve your digestion, as it contains probiotics.
Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that promote healthy digestion in the gut. They help to regulate bowel movement and fight infection.
Meanwhile, you can lower your risk of high blood pressure by making sure you drink enough water, it’s been revealed.
Drink eight glasses of water each day to avoid hypertension. Alternatively, drink at least five bottles of 500ml water.
The only way of knowing if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.
All UK adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least every five years.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist to reveal your chances of developing hypertension.