A popular type of fish may be increasing your risk of high blood pressure, according to experts.
Blood Pressure UK have issued advice listing certain foods that you should avoid if you suffer from hypertension.
And one surprising dietary item on the list was dried fish, reports The Express.
Despite there being numerous health benefits associated with eating fish, the dried variant can actually raise your blood pressure due to the levels of salt within it.
Fish is dried as a method of food preservation and works by removing the water from the wish, giving it a longer shelf life.
However, dried fish are particularly high in salt so you "should try to avoid them or find a lower-salt version", advises Blood Pressure UK.
High blood pressure is a precursor to heart disease so it's imperative to keep it in check.
Your blood pressure can rise in response to poor lifestyle decisions.
While this mechanism may seem harmless, consistently high blood pressure puts pressure on your heart, thereby raising your risk of heart disease.
How does salt raise your blood pressure?
Blood Pressure UK explains: "Salt makes your body hold onto water. If you eat too much, the extra water in your blood means there is extra pressure on your blood vessel walls, raising your blood pressure."
Fish is not all bad, however.
On the contrary, researchers have found that oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines or mussels, could help protect our hearts and brains from disease.
"They are found to be rich in an important type of polyunsaturated fat called omega-3, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure," explains the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The BHF continues: "Combining oily fish, as part of a traditional Mediterranean style diet, will give your body the best chance of staving off disease."
A Mediterranean diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
The Mediterranean diet varies by country and region, so it has a range of definitions.
But in general, it's high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
Some studies have reported that food typical of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, have a favourable effect on the risk of hypertension.
Food not typical of this dietary pattern such as red meat, processed meat, and poultry has an unfavourable effect.
Exercise is also integral to blood pressure control.
The Mayo Clinic explains: "Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort.
"As a result, the force on your arteries decreases, lowering your blood pressure."
As the health body notes, regular exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight — another important way to control blood pressure.
Getting tested
The only way of knowing whether you have high blood pressure is to have a blood pressure test.
"All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years," explains the NHS.
You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
- At your GP surgery
- At some pharmacies
- As part of your NHS Health Check
- In some workplaces
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