As much as we all love food and trying out all kinds of cuisines and tasty treats, it is very important that we also take care of our bodies and be mindful of what we put in it. With World Hypertension Day coming up on May 17th, we are hoping to share some useful information to help you be the healthiest person you can be.
Although Canadians have a high awareness of many chronic conditions and diseases such as cancer and diabetes, they are less aware of an equally life-threatening condition – hypertension. According to a recent Ipsos survey commissioned by Dairy Farmers of Canada, 59 per cent of Canadians are concerned with developing high blood pressure, even though in reality, 90 per cent will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Known as the silent killer, an estimated one in six people do not know they have high blood pressure, with over six million Canadian adults affected by the condition. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death due to stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. If left untreated, it can lead to coronary artery disease, dementia, heart and kidney failure, and other chronic diseases. However, the condition can be prevented or managed through lifestyle changes.
“With Canadians facing such a high risk of developing high blood pressure, we all need to make healthy lifestyle choices, like striving towards a more balanced diet,” says Nathalie Savoie, Registered Dietitian and Assistant Director, Nutrition, Dairy Farmers of Canada. “One of the tools to help prevent or manage your blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as an adequate amount of milk product every day. In fact, milk products contain potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein, all of which have been shown to effectively help maintain a healthy blood pressure.”
Dairy Farmers of Canada have set out to help Canadians reduce the risk of hypertension with three yogurt-based recipes, and in partnership with The Everyday Foodie, we will be publishing three of these recipes (one on each day starting on May 17th), making prevention easy with healthy and delicious meal and snack options.
Here are some ways of incorporating yogurt, fruits and vegetables into your everyday diet:
- Use yogurt and fresh fruit to make overnight oats for a fresh and tangy breakfast.
- Combine plain yogurt with herbs and use it as a healthy dip for your fruits and veggies, or even a pita wrap.
- Prepare frozen smoothies to ‘indulge’ in a healthy treat any time of day.
Check back here next week for some delicious and healthy yogurt-based recipes!