A nutrition expert has revealed a fuss-free smoothie recipe that could be a game-changer for those dealing with high blood pressure. Debbie Williams, an influencer from the US, broke down the three-ingredient health drink in a step-by-step TikTok guide.
“If you want to get your blood pressure in a much healthier range, try drinking this juice,” she told her 1.2 million followers in a previous video. “So, we’re going to be using celery, dandelion leaves, and a green apple. I’m going to cut all this up and put it into my Nama J2 juicer.”
While chopping her produce, Debbie put the spotlight on celery’s hidden gem – a compound called ‘phthalide’. This phytochemical, also found in blackberries, is praised for its ability to help relax muscles in the walls of blood vessels.
As a consequence, its consumption can help to combat high blood pressure – a factor that gives rise to potentially fatal health conditions, including heart disease, vascular dementia and strokes, when left unmanaged. Meanwhile, further evidence suggests that eating dandelion leaves may bolster this positive impact too.
This is primarily down to their heavy potassium content, though more research is required to understand this further. It’s also important to ensure that dandelion leaves are clean before consuming.
Debbie went on: “(Phthalide) lowers blood pressure and makes it easier and smoother for the blood to flow. The potassium in dandelion leaves reduces blood pressure and green apples lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
“Now, I don’t have high blood pressure but making this juice can help you if you have it, help you manage your blood pressure in a great way. You can put them in jars and freeze them when you (need to).”
For those who may not fancy a dandelion concoction, incorporating bananas, kiwis, and dates could be beneficial as well. In 2024, scientists unveiled that eating more of these potassium-rich foods can have a crucial role in slashing blood pressure.
Last year, Dr Liping Huang, Research Fellow at The George Institute, explained: “High levels of sodium intake and low levels of potassium intake are widespread, and both are linked to high blood pressure and greater risk of stroke, heart disease and premature death.
“We have always known that potassium has a role to play in blood pressure control, but until we did these analyses, we didn’t realise just how important it could be.”
Are there any symptoms of high blood pressure?
It is important to note that high blood pressure often comes without symptoms. The only way to confirm that you have it is through a blood pressure examination.
However, in rare circumstances, the NHS claims that you might experience the following:
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
Individuals concerned about blood pressure should seek medical guidance.