Many people believe that wheat ice cream, a popular breakfast dish in the US, can help lower blood pressure if eaten regularly. However, nutritionists say this has no clear scientific evidence.
There is no direct link between wheat ice cream and blood pressure
There is no direct correlation between wheat ice cream consumption and lower blood pressure, says Dr Stephani Johnson, a clinical nutritionist at Rutgers Medical College.
This means that eating wheat ice cream regularly cannot replace treatment or a specialized diet for people with high blood pressure.
However, Johnson says some ingredients in wheat ice cream, especially whole wheat, are still beneficial for heart health. Specifically, dishes low in sodium, rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium and protein often contribute to stabilizing blood pressure.
Choosing the right type of wheat ice cream is very important
Julia Zumpano, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic Center (USA), notes that not all wheat ice cream is good: make sure to choose whole wheat ice cream to add fiber. If it is not a whole grain, it will lose fiber; therefore, it does not bring significant benefits and can cause hyperglycemia".
In addition, consumers also need to pay attention to the sodium content in each product type. While traditional wheat ice cream is almost unsalted (0-5mg/ portion), instant versions can contain up to 300mg of sodium, a worrying figure for people with high blood pressure. It is important to check nutrition labels carefully to know the exact sodium content, Johnson emphasized.
Health benefits of whole grains
Although not a "pharmotherapy" for blood pressure, whole wheat ice cream is still part of a light, easy-to-eat diet, especially useful for people with digestive problems. In addition, a diet rich in whole grains such as oats, millet, quinoa, black barley... combined with vegetables and fruits can help regulate blood pressure if maintained for a long time.
Zumpano shared: "There is no specific amount of wheat ice cream that helps reduce blood pressure, but overall, a diet high in fiber and low in sodium is an effective direction".
Things to remember
wheat ice cream, especially whole wheat ice cream, low in salt, is not harmful to people with high blood pressure if eaten in moderation, and is even beneficial if it is part of a healthy diet. However, it is not a food with a therapeutic effect. To effectively lower blood pressure, you still need to follow your doctor's instructions, reduce salt, exercise regularly and check your blood pressure periodically.
