Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is often associated with fancy dinners or indulgent treats, but is it good for those with high blood pressure? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects almost half of US adults. While cheese often has a reputation as an unhealthy, fatty food, eating certain types of cheese in moderation can actually help manage high blood pressure. This is because cheese contains calcium, which is important for cardiovascular health and can help to lower blood pressure. Swiss cheese, for example, is low in salt, rich in calcium, and contains peptides and probiotics that can help lower blood pressure. However, it's important to remember that all cheese contains fat and salt, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is blue cheese good for high blood pressure? | No direct evidence found. However, some studies suggest that eating low-fat cheese in moderation can help lower blood pressure. |
| Recommended cheeses for high blood pressure | Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, Swiss cheese, feta, Parmesan, ricotta, low-fat cottage cheese, and Grana Padano. |
| Reasons | Low sodium, high calcium, low calories, and contains peptides and probiotics that can help lower blood pressure. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium
In addition to calcium, blue cheese also contains small protein components called peptides, which have been shown to help relax blood vessels. Specifically, blue cheese contains the peptides Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) and Val-Pro-Pro (VPP), which exhibit antihypertensive properties, acting to reduce high blood pressure. These peptides found in blue cheese have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, similar to some blood pressure medications.
When it comes to managing high blood pressure, it is important to be mindful of your diet and choose foods that are lower in sodium. While all cheese contains fat and salt, opting for lower-sodium cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, can be beneficial. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella are also recommended as they tend to be lower in sodium than their aged counterparts.
Including blue cheese in your diet can be a good source of calcium to support healthy blood pressure, but it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It contains peptides and probiotics
While it is important to cut down on sodium and increase calcium intake to manage high blood pressure, eating cheese in moderation can be beneficial. This is because cheese contains calcium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Swiss cheese, in particular, is a healthy choice for managing blood pressure. It is low in salt, rich in calcium, and contains peptides and probiotics. The peptides in Swiss cheese help relax the blood vessels, exhibiting antihypertensive properties. For example, the peptides Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP) and Val-Pro-Pro (VPP) found in Swiss cheese have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, which is also the mechanism of a class of medications prescribed to treat high blood pressure.
In addition to its peptide content, Swiss cheese also contains probiotics, which are living microorganisms that reside in the gut and aid in breaking down food into absorbable nutrients. Research indicates that Swiss cheese supports the growth of healthy probiotic organisms in the gut, which has been shown to improve blood pressure and overall heart health.
Therefore, Swiss cheese can be a great addition to a diet for managing high blood pressure, thanks to its calcium, peptide, and probiotic content. However, it is important to remember that all cheese contains fat and salt, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It's low in calories
While people with high blood pressure may need to be more mindful about what they eat, this does not necessarily mean that cheese is off the menu. In fact, cheese can be a great addition to a diet aimed at lowering blood pressure, due to its calcium content. However, it is important to choose cheeses that are lower in sodium.
Swiss cheese is a particularly good choice for those managing their blood pressure. It is not only rich in calcium but also low in salt and calories. This means that Swiss cheese can help to prevent weight gain, which is a contributing factor to high blood pressure. A 1-ounce serving of Swiss cheese contains 111 calories.
Other low-calorie cheeses include fresh mozzarella and goat cheese, which are also lower in sodium. These cheeses can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet that helps to manage blood pressure.
It is worth noting that full-fat dairy foods have been found to have no effect on blood pressure, while low-fat dairy options like low-fat cheeses are linked to lower blood pressure. Therefore, those looking to manage their blood pressure through their diet may want to opt for low-fat cheeses.
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It's low in salt
While it may be necessary to cut down on sodium when managing high blood pressure, this does not necessarily mean that cheese is off the menu. In fact, cheese can be a great addition to a diet aimed at lowering blood pressure, thanks to its calcium content. However, it is important to choose lower-sodium cheeses.
Swiss cheese, for example, is a healthy choice when managing blood pressure. It is low in salt, containing only 53 milligrams of sodium per ounce, which is lower than many other types of cheese. It is also rich in calcium, low in calories, and contains peptides and probiotics that can help lower blood pressure.
Other cheeses that are recommended for those with high blood pressure include mozzarella and goat cheese, which are also lower in sodium. Fresh mozzarella is the lowest in sodium at 85 milligrams per ounce, while goat cheese contains 118 milligrams of sodium per ounce.
It is worth noting that while cheese can be a part of a healthy diet for managing blood pressure, it should be consumed in moderation. It is also important to consider how it is consumed. For example, it is better to pair small amounts of cheese with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rather than eating it on a pepperoni pizza or a burger.
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It's safe to eat in moderation
If you have high blood pressure, you don't need to avoid cheese entirely. Eating cheese in moderation can be beneficial for your blood pressure. This is due to its calcium content, which helps to regulate blood pressure. However, it's important to choose low-sodium varieties and consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cheese, particularly Swiss cheese, is a good source of calcium, which is essential for cardiovascular health. The tiny muscles in your blood vessels use calcium to regulate blood pressure. Swiss cheese is also low in calories, which can help prevent weight gain, a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
Other good cheese options for those with high blood pressure include fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, feta, and ricotta. These cheeses are lower in sodium and fat, making them healthier choices.
While blue cheese was not specifically mentioned in the sources, it can be assumed that, like other cheeses, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet for those with high blood pressure. However, it's important to be mindful of the overall sodium and fat content in your diet and to prioritize lower-sodium and lower-fat cheese options.
It's worth noting that some cheeses, like Swiss cheese, contain peptides and probiotics that can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Therefore, when choosing a cheese to pair with your fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, consider opting for varieties that offer these additional benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese was not mentioned in any of the sources. However, some other types of cheese that are good for high blood pressure include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and goat cheese.
Some types of cheese that are good for high blood pressure include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and goat cheese. These cheeses are high in calcium, which helps to regulate blood pressure, and low in sodium, which can help improve blood pressure.
In addition to Swiss, mozzarella, and goat cheese, other types of cheese that are good for high blood pressure include ricotta, feta, and Parmesan. These cheeses are lower in sodium, which can help to further reduce blood pressure.
Yes, Swiss cheese is also low in calories, which can help prevent weight gain and lower the risk of hypertension. It also contains peptides and probiotics, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
It is important to eat cheese in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is also recommended to choose low-fat cheeses, as these have been linked to lower blood pressure. Pairing cheese with other DASH diet foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also help to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
