High blood pressure is a common condition that’s often known as ‘the silent killer’.
It’s not always possible to know if you have high blood pressure, so it’s important to regularly get your blood pressure checked.
You could lower your chances of developing the condition, which is also known as hypertension, by making some diet or lifestyle changes.
Pistachios are one of the best snacks for hypertensive patients, it’s been claimed.
Pistachios could help to lower blood pressure in some patients, claimed Clinical Nutritionist Lauren Venosta.
A single portion of pistachios every day was enough to lower systolic blood pressure, she said.
Eating the nuts as they are, or grinding them into a pistachio butter, could both help to reduce blood pressure, added the nutritionist.
“Blood pressure is clearly affected by dietary choices and lifestyle habits,” said Venosta, writing for The Chopra Center.
“You can change your diet to eliminate saturated fat and processed foods, and feature foods that help lower blood pressure levels.
“Pistachios are a filling snack, but also a heart-healthy one. Pistachios are a member of the cashew family and have a rich and creamy taste.
“Whether you like them already shelled or enjoy breaking apart the shell on your own, pistachios make a great, blood-pressure–lowering snack any day.”
Pistachios are also rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent diseases and boost the immune system.
They’re one of the best nut sources of antioxidants, and are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which boost eye health.
You could also lower your blood pressure by eating more flaxseeds, according to Venosta.
Flaxseeds – or linseeds – contain omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, which both contribute to boosting the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure.
High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of all adults in the UK.
The condition puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs, and it increases the risk of a deadly heart attack.
Common high blood pressure symptoms include persistent headaches, nosebleeds and vision problems.
All adults over 40 years old should check their blood pressure at least every five years.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist to check your risk of hypertension.