Vegetables that simultaneously reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure

Many people may view cholesterol and high blood pressure as two different health problems that need to be treated separately. But in fact, these are two conditions that are closely related, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Statistics show that more than 60% of people with high blood pressure also have high blood cholesterol. The reason these two conditions are closely related is because they both negatively affect blood vessels and increase the risk of blockage.

High cholesterol causes plaque to build up in the walls of your arteries. This plaque narrows your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. High blood pressure, in turn, can damage your artery walls. This damage makes it easier for cholesterol to build up in plaque.

To control blood pressure and cholesterol, doctors will combine medication with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and adopting a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish. Cabbage is one of the plants that can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels at the same time.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that supplementing mice with nutrients found in cabbage significantly reduced their levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. This benefit comes mainly from phytosterols and the abundant fiber in cabbage. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are about 1.75 grams of fiber in 1 cup of cabbage.

Cabbage is also rich in potassium, a mineral that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. One cup of cabbage contains about 120 mg of potassium.

Cabbage also contains a compound called anthocyanin. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women between the ages of 18 and 75 who had higher levels of anthocyanin in their blood had lower systolic blood pressure.

The anthocyanins in cabbage help reduce the stiffness of artery walls. This helps arteries retain their elasticity and reduces the pressure on the blood vessel walls. Improved blood pressure also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Medical News Today .