Nutrition News & Views

May 10, 1999
May is National High Blood Pressure Month - May 1999/No. 2

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has declared May as National High Blood Pressure Month. The 1999 focus is on the threat of uncontrolled hypertension. This year's theme is, "If Your Blood Pressure Is Not Lower Than 140/90, Ask Your Doctor Why."

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major cause of coronary heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure also affects more than 50 million- or one in four- adult Americans.

Scientific evidence shows that lifestyle changes such as choosing foods lower in salt and sodium, losing weight if overweight, limiting alcohol intake, and increased physical activity can help control high blood pressure and prevent blood pressure from rising.

Recently, scientists supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, found that a particular combination of nutrients as they occur together in foods could dramatically lower blood pressure. The clinical study, called "DASH" for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, found that elevated blood pressures can be reduced with an eating plan low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods. The DASH Diet includes the following tips:

  • Increase number of fruits and vegetables and gradually consume 8-10 servings per day.
  • Increase number of low-fat or fat free dairy products and consume 2-3 servings per day.
  • Choose whole grain food products and consume 7-8 servings per day.
  • Use the percent Daily Value on food labels to compare products and choose those lowest in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Submitted by: Lisa Selman and Olivia Rahaim, MSU Dietetic Interns
Distributed by: Barbara McLaurin, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., Human Nutrition Specialist, MSU Extension Service, May 1999

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