Dining Out Raises Your Blood Pressure

Eating several meals prepared at restaurants and other venues can lead to higher blood pressure, according to a recent study of Singapore students.

There are several reasons why this could be the case. The first is that restaurants and other eating establishments are making food in a way that will entice repeat business.

“One of the ways that they retain you as a customer is by putting out a product that is tempting, convenient and usually high in fat and sodium,” said Eric Sieden, director of food and nutrition services at Plainview and Syosset hospitals. “Most of the items are processed with high amounts of sodium and cooked in reusable fat and oils that are synthetic, which have been shown to be most harmful to us.”

This study also found that people who have early signs of pre-hypertension tend to have lifestyles with poorer eating habits and higher stress, such as that of being a college student.

“Because the lifestyle of these individuals tend to be fast paced and high stressed, their food options are geared to what is the quickest and most convenient,” Mr. Sieden said. “Unfortunately, most of the time, these choices tend to be farthest from the healthiest option.”