Doctor warns popular 'healthy' snack may raise blood pressure and 'cause 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 health-conscious Britons may be unwittingly raising their blood pressure through seemingly nutritious food choices, an expert has cautioned.</p><p>Plant-based meats have become a popular alternative for those reducing animal consumption.</p><h3></h3><br/><p><br/></p><p>However, Medical Director at MEDvidi, Dr Michael Chichak, warned there is a disconnect between the perception and reality of the foods we eat.</p><p>"Plant-based meats are a popular substitute for regular meat, but they are loaded with sodium and can raise blood pressure," he cautioned.</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-latest"></div><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Granola bars" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a5d8449e615a69387df7fa493c3ecfea" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="2532e" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/granola-bars.jpg?id=59803158&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>These aren't the only culprits lurking in health food aisles, however, as snack options are also packed with problematic ingredients.</p><p>"Unlike other 'healthy' snack options, granola bars are laden with added sugars which may result in insulin resistance, further negatively impacting one's overall health," Dr Chickak warned.</p><p>He named low-fat salad dressings as another culprit, noting that they often contain harmful additives.</p><p>Dr Chichak points out that these products "may also give the impression of being better for you but also contain harmful ingredients such as sodium benzoate or high-fructose corn syrup".</p><h3></h3><br><p><br/></p><p>"Always reading the labels will guarantee that one will steer clear from hidden ingredients that can spiral one's health choices," he advised.</p><p>Fortunately, there are tools to help shoppers identify truly heart-healthy options.</p><p>The NHS Better Health campaign promotes healthier food choices, partnering with supermarkets to promote health-conscious shopping habits.</p><p>Shoppers can use tools like the Food Scanner app and the "Good Choice" badge to inform their choices.</p><h3></h3><br><div class="embed-mostread"></div><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS </strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/high-blood-pressure-how-to-reduce-best-foods" target="_self">'I’m a nutritionist - my clients eat 4 foods to reduce their blood pressure without medication'</a><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/high-blood-pressure-foods-to-avoid-warning-doctor" target="_self">'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/high-blood-pressure-foods-to-avoid-warning-doctor" target="_self">I'm a doctor - 3 healthy foods could spike your blood pressure and trigger insulin resistance'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/how-to-lower-blood-pressure-diet-limit-processed-foods" target="_self">'It's important!' Doctor warns against 'harmful' foods that can increase blood pressure</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br><img alt="BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a3a627f1a9c2a88246b03b1b842b2c67" 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>Experts recommend switching to whole fruits and vegetables as healthier alternatives. Lean meats and unsalted nuts are also excellent choices for those concerned about blood pressure.</p><p>These whole foods naturally contain less sodium and fewer harmful additives than their processed counterparts.</p><p>Staying hydrated with water is another simple way to support heart health.</p><p>Limiting sweeteners in your diet can also contribute to better cardiovascular outcomes.</p></br></br></br></br>
