A cheap vegetable which is available in every supermarket has been hailed as one of the best ways to help control high blood pressure. Celery is rich in nitrates, which is converted in the body into nitrite and nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, which subsequently lowers blood pressure. Celery, beetroot and leafy green vegetables are the best sources of nitrates.
Celery, which can be bought for 75p for a bunch in Tesco, is high in fibre, diuretic, low in calories, contains vitamins C and E, potassium, sodium, and calcium, and experts say it is good at controlling hypertension and reducing blood sugar levels. High blood pressure is a serious problem and can lead to strokes, kidney failure, eye problems, and other heart problems.
As well as nitrates that can help to relax the blood vessels and dilate them. Celery also helps more easily to get rid of impurities through its diuretic function, which means that it can increase urine production, because it has a large amount of water, as well as vitamins A, B, C, K, fibre, folic acid and potassium, among other essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body, which undoubtedly helps to reduce blood pressure by reducing the volume of blood in the circulatory system, Elpais reported.
The publication added that it is a vegetable low in sodium, so it can help to balance the levels of this mineral in the body. Excess salt in the diet has been linked to hypertension, so eating low-sodium foods like celery can help keep blood pressure under control.
In addition, this superfood contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which again contributes to maintaining proper cardiovascular health.
Blood Pressure UK’s CEO Katharine Jenner has previously said: ”You can take action yourself to lower your blood pressure by eating less salt, more fruit and vegetables, taking more exercise and being a healthy weight,” said Jenner.
“The most important thing for the majority of people with raised or high blood pressure is lifestyle. What you eat and do on a daily basis decides what your blood pressure will be.
“Beetroot and celery are rich in chemicals called nitrates which are known to help lower blood pressure if you eat them often enough.”