Piling your favorite sandwich fixings on the right kind of bread could mean healthier blood pressure. The right choice? One hundred percent whole-grain.
A recent study showed that a diet high in whole grains may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure by as much as 20 percent. And all you have to do is check a label!
The Whole Whole-Grains Story
The story continues to unfold, but experts have some good guesses about how whole grains work their blood-pressure-lowering magic. It's a one-two punch: Whole grains contain potassium, which is the king of all blood-pressure taming minerals, and fiber, which helps you stay blood-pressure-friendly slim. Whole grains also make blood vessels more flexible -- important for preventing pressure buildup in arteries. Are you slim in the right places? Watch this video for clues into a healthy body shape.
Putting Whole Grains to Work:
Are you getting the most out of your grains? Here are some strategies for eking out all the body benefits:
- Eat 'em often. Find out how many servings you need for a flatter belly.
- Meet the whole family. Get to know these lesser-known but superhealthful members of the whole-grain clan.
- Be brand finicky. Check out the top four bread brands that deliver the most fiber and nutrients without going overboard on calories.
Mmmm. Make your own hearty whole-grain bread. It's easy with this EatingWell recipe that takes only 1 hour: Oatmeal & Whole-Wheat Bread.
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