Mrs Funmi Lawal, a Dietician with Wuse Hospital, Abuja has urged people living with hypertension to consume more fibre because it can help lower blood pressure.
In an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, she said “You can control your blood pressure by reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and focus on whole grains because they have more fibre and nutrients, than refined grains.
“For instance, use brown rice instead of white rice, whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta and whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
“Look for products labeled 100 per cent whole grain or 100 per cent whole wheat.
“Grains are naturally low in fat, so avoid spreading on butter or adding cream and cheese sauces.
“Increase your vegetable intake (four to five servings a day); tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, sweet potatoes, greens and other vegetables are full of fibre, vitamins and such minerals as potassium and magnesium.
“Include fruits in your daily menu plan (four to five servings a day).
“Many fruits need little preparation to become a healthy part of a meal or snack.”
She added that regular visits to dietician will help manage diet adequately.
She said “Visit a dietitian to help you manage your diet adequately.
“Physicians recommend that one maintains blood pressure at or below 120/80 mmHg, but high blood pressure is medically defined as any reading higher than 140/90 mmHg.”