Heart disease risk and blood pressure could be slashed by four drinks

Brits looking to lower their risk of heart disease are urged to try four fruit juices rich in potassium, that could help slash blood pressure levels. Heart and circulatory diseases are among the leading causes of death in the UK, causing around 170,000 fatalities every year.

Among factors that contribute to these potentially deadly conditions include high blood pressure. This is because, if left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels. To therefore reduce the risk of heart disease, it's recommended to maintain low blood pressure.

Experts at Harvard School of Public Health suggest that diet is a crucial factor in managing blood pressure and keeping the heart healthy. As reported by Express.co.uk, they particularly recommend foods and drinks rich in potassium, as this mineral helps eliminate sodium from the body, which is known to increase blood pressure.

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The more potassium consumed, the more sodium is expelled through urine, and it also helps to relax the walls of blood vessels, further lowering blood pressure. The health institution notes: "Sodium and potassium are two interrelated minerals that play major roles in regulating blood pressure and a healthy heart."

"Eating less salty foods and more potassium-rich foods may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potassium is found in many foods, especially fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy."

"But the reverse of eating a lot of sodium-rich foods especially from processed breads, packaged snacks, canned goods, and fast-food meals while skimping on potassium can increase cardiovascular disease risk."

While there are several foods high in potassium, others contain more than others. Medical News Today listed four fruit drinks that contain high amounts of potassium.

These are fresh juice from passion fruits, pomegranates, oranges and tangerines. For each standard cup of these drinks they contain the following amounts of potassium:

• Passion fruit juice - 687 mg

• Pomegranate juice - 533 mg

• Orange juice - 496 mg

• Tangerine juice - 440 mg.

For comparison, an average banana - which is often cited as a good source of potassium - contains around 358 mg of the mineral. The only way to be sure if your blood pressure is too high is to get it tested - either using an at-home test or by your GP.

Healthy blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and 120/80mmHg, whereas high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher. If you are concerned about your blood pressure you should speak to your GP.