High blood pressure doesn’t produce obvious symptoms so the best way to keep it in check is to make healthy lifestyle choices. When it comes to cheese, many are big lovers, however those living with the condition need to be careful. What is the best and worst cheese to eat if living with high blood pressure?
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When it comes to the worst kind of cheese to eat if worried about rising blood pressure, the NHS said: “A total of 612 cheeses were included in an analysis.
“Halloumi, feta and imported blue cheese had the highest average salt level followed by some processed cheeses.”
In fact, a study found that these kinds of cheeses may be damaging to one’s health.
A study by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) found that, on average, halloumi and imported blue cheeses like Cambozola, Roquefort, Bleu d’Auvergne, were saltier than seawater.
Why is salt so bad for blood pressure?
Salt and sodium are said to be the villains when it comes to living with high blood pressure and heart disease.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that people who have high blood pressure should limit their salt intake to just 1,500 mg.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an average person consumes around 3,400 mg a day, more than twice the recommended amount.
On average halloumi and blue cheese contain around 2.71g of salt per 100g while seawater has a concentration of just 2.5g per 100g.
Eating just a 50g portion of any of those cheeses contains around one quarter of an adult’s recommended 6g daily salt allowance.
When a person consumes more salt than they should, the kidneys holds on to more water.
This extra stored water raises the blood pressure and puts strain on the kidneys, arteries, heart and brain.
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What are the best cheeses for high blood pressure?
Dietician Doctor Sarah Schenker said: “Low fat dairy foods such as milk, yoghurts, fromage frais and reduced fat cheese provide plenty of calcium which works with potassium to help lower blood pressure.
“Mozzarella is one of the best cheeses as it’s naturally lower in salt.
“Lower fat cheeses and half fat versions are also good choices for those with high blood pressure.”
The NHS added: “There is a wide variation in salt content that can be found in cheese.
“Labelling is now making it easier to make an informed choice regarding where you wish you maximum recommended level of 6g of salt per day to come from.
“This is particularly important when assessing which cheese is the best option.
“Cheese is generally calorific, and overconsumption can lead to overweight and obesity and their associated health problems.”
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