'I'm a doctor - 3 healthy foods could spike your blood pressure and trigger insulin resistance' ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52822835%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3DJcjJExt0Y75" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p>Many people wrongly assume high blood pressure stems solely from excess salt consumption, overlooking the detrimental role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).</p><p>However, according to Dr Jay Shah, a cardiologist and chief medical officer at Aktiia, even products marketed as "healthy" can contribute to elevated blood pressure.</p><h3></h3><br/><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>Dr Shah told GB News: "It’s not just one ingredient that UPFs share that is causing harm, but the combination of refined sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats and artificial additives, all while lacking essential nutrients like fibre, potassium and magnesium.</p><p>"This creates the perfect storm for weight gain, insulin resistance and elevated blood pressure over time."</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-latest"></div><h3></h3><br><img alt="Yoghurt" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0cd8db4043987c79617877e61c3ba53f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="14ce3" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/yoghurt.webp?id=59756317&width=980"/><p>People consuming high amounts of UPFs typically replace nutritious whole foods in their diets, resulting in higher calorie intake and fewer key nutrients.</p><p>"Surprisingly, foods like protein bars, flavoured yoghurts and certain granolas, which are often perceived as 'better-for-you' options, can be loaded with hidden sugars, preservatives and sodium - pushing them into the UPF category," warned Dr Shah.</p><p>Despite being seemingly healthier options, those who eat them remain unaware of the hidden dangers they pose to overall health.</p><p>Dr Shah quoted alarming evidence highlighting a direct relationship between UPF intake and chronic diseases.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><h3></h3><br/><p><br/></p><p>"Major studies have found that for every additional 10 per cent of daily calories from UPFs, the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality increases by 12 to 14 per cent," he said.</p><p>There is no established "safe" level of consumption, but research shows high UPF intake is strongly linked to higher blood pressure.</p><p>Research indicates that high levels of UPFs - over 50 per cent of daily calorie intake - are strongly linked to higher blood pressure and metabolic dysfunction.</p><p>"In countries like the UK and the US, UPFs often account for over 50 per cent of daily calorie intake," noted Dr Shah.</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS </strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/how-to-sleep-techniques-routine-british-summer-time" target="_self">Clocks change: How to catch up on your rest tonight after missing an hour of sleep</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/how-to-live-longer-reading-writing-longevity" target="_self">'I'm 81 and a task I've done every morning for the past 50 years has helped me live longer'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/blood-sugar-breakfast-reverse-insulin-resistance" target="_self">Dietitian’s top 3 breakfast ingredients to 'reverse insulin resistance' and 'balance blood sugar'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><img alt="BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8c6d11cfbd1d0fd78e548ed5d8fd90eb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c986d" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/blood-pressure-check.jpg?id=55269343&width=980"/><p>Studies show people in this category have up to 39 per cent greater likelihood of developing hypertension compared to those who consume fewer UPFs.</p><p>Even moderate UPF consumption, around 20 to 30 per cent of daily calories, can raise health risks by displacing nutritious foods.</p><p>To keep cardiovascular complications at bay the expert advises keeping UPFs below 30 of total daily calories.</p><p>"The best approach is to prioritise whole, fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats," he advised.</p><p>These foods not only support heart health but help counteract the negative effects of sodium and sugars found in processed options.</p></br></br></br>
