Mango pickle is a popular condiment in South Asian cuisine, made from unripe mangoes and various spices preserved in oil, salt, vinegar, or sugar. It adds a tangy and spicy flavor to many dishes, such as rice, bread, curries, and snacks. But can people with hypertension eat mango pickle?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other complications. One of the main factors that can raise blood pressure is sodium intake. Sodium is a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve impulses in the body. However, too much sodium can cause the body to retain water and increase the pressure on the blood vessels.
Mango pickle is a high-sodium food, as it contains salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer. 100 grams of sweet mango pickle contains 2.5 grams of sodium, which is more than 100% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Other types of mango pickle may have different amounts of sodium, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods.
Therefore, people with hypertension should limit their consumption of mango pickle and other high-sodium foods. They should also check the nutrition labels of packaged pickles and choose low-sodium or sodium-free options if available. Alternatively, they can make their own mango pickle at home using less salt or other spices such as vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, etc.
Mango pickle is not only high in sodium but also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients that have health benefits. Vitamin C helps boost immunity and prevent infections. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Fiber helps improve digestion and prevent constipation. Mango pickle also has some probiotic effects due to the fermentation process that produces beneficial bacteria.
Therefore, eating mango pickle in moderation can be beneficial for people with hypertension as well as for general health. However, it is important to balance it with other foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that help lower blood pressure. Some examples are fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, etc.
People with hypertension can eat mango pickle occasionally but not regularly or excessively. They should also monitor their blood pressure levels and consult their doctor before making any dietary changes.
Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)
Internal Medicine Specialist
Kify Hospital
Danavaipeta
Rajahmundry
Phone : 85000 23456
Comments