The Link Between Red Meat and Hypertension

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The Link Between Red Meat and Hypertension - If you have been keeping up with health reports or the diet of your health buff friends, you may notice that those who are concerned with their health try to reduce the amount of red meat they ingest. There is a leaning towards the healthier white meat, such as chicken. This is because studies have found a link between red meat and hypertension. Hypertension, in turn, has been the cause of many health-related deaths. It can lead to stroke and heart disease, either of which may result to death. The problem with hypertension is that you cannot observe tangible symptoms. If you do not have regular checkups, you may not find out that you have hypertension until it is way too late.

Why red meat is linked to hypertension

People who have been taking bigger amounts of red meat are linked to more health-related deaths than those who abstain from or at least eat only small portions of red meat. They are also most likely to develop hypertension. There are many possible reasons behind the development of hypertension. Some of these reasons are high cholesterol and high sodium intake. Unfortunately, red meat contains high cholesterol and are often flavored with salt and other seasonings containing salt. Plus, there is also such a thing as primary hypertension. This gene-related hypertension can strike a person who does not eat a lot of red meat. Red meat, however, aggravates the situation with its high cholesterol and fat content.

The Link Between Red Meat and Hypertension

Fruitarianism as an alternative diet when dealing with hypertension

When you already have hypertension, you may be both scared of and tempted to eat red meat. You can try to find alternatives to such a high cholesterol diet. One of the suggestions of some is fruitarianism. Fruitarianism, as with vegetarianism’s vegetable only diet, is the practice of ingesting only fruits. Some critics of this practice, however, point out that anything excessive is wrong for the body. While it is good to eat plenty of fruits, eating nothing else but fruits can significantly stunt growth in children and can weaken the muscles of adults. Fruitarians, however, are insistent that their diet cleanses them of toxins and prevents a lot of diseases. Nutritionists, on the other hand, cannot help but be concerned about the lack in variety and the excess of sugar in the fruitarian diet.

Everyone should be vigilant about the traitorous condition called hypertension. Symptoms usually show up when well-being is already very much compromised. Some people are more likely to become hypertensive, based on their family tree. Some develop hypertension as a result of their high cholesterol and salt-rich diets. Alternative diets that can ultimately subtract red meat from the equation, such as fruitarianism, are being recommended. These diets are being praised and criticized simultaneously.

Related questions:

1. What are other alternative diets, aside from fruitarianism, that can help prevent hypertension?
2. Is it enough to reduce your red meat and salt intake to prevent hypertension?
3 Based on studies, is the link between red meat and hypertension strong enough?

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