Question

For a person suffering from hypertension you would avoid which of the following foods in their diet?
(A). Green leafy vegetables
(B). Whole cereals
(C). Milk and milk products
(D). Processed foods
(E). Sauces and jams
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only.
• C. (C), (D) and (E) only.
• D. (A), (C) and (E) only

Hint:

High Sodium = High Blood Pressure.
Processed foods, commercial sauces, canned items, and processed cheeses are packed with hidden sodium and must be avoided by hypertensive patients.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Dietary management of hypertension focuses on reducing sodium intake, as sodium retention increases blood volume and elevates blood pressure.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each food item:
1. Green leafy vegetables (A) and Whole cereals (B): These are rich in potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber, which help lower blood pressure (key components of the DASH diet). They should be encouraged, not avoided.
2. Processed foods (D) and Sauces/jams (E): These foods contain high amounts of added sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium-containing preservatives (such as sodium benzoate, monosodium glutamate). They must be strictly avoided.
3. Milk and milk products (C): While low-fat milk is beneficial, many processed dairy products (like salted butter, processed cheese, paneer preserved in brine) have very high sodium content. In standard clinical question banks, when grouped with (D) and (E), certain milk products are limited to control sodium intake.
Since (D) and (E) must be avoided, the only option containing both is (C), (D), and (E) only.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).