Milk and Yogurt Can Fit Into a Blood Pressure-Friendly Diet

People with high blood pressure may assume they need to avoid dairy products altogether. But choosing suitable varieties can allow dairy to remain part of a diet that supports heart and blood vessel health.

Milk and yogurt are among the options that can fit into this approach. Rather than treating all dairy products alike, the focus should be on their nutritional content and how they fit into overall eating habits.

Plain, lower-fat varieties are generally useful choices for a heart-healthy diet. Checking labels can also help shoppers avoid products with substantial amounts of added sugar or saturated fat.

Salt content deserves particular attention when choosing cheese and other dairy foods. Products can vary considerably, making lower-sodium options a better fit for people trying to limit their salt intake.

Dairy is not a treatment for high blood pressure, and no single food can guarantee control. Suitable choices can complement a balanced diet and any treatment recommended by a healthcare professional.