As temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, and blood pressure in winter is generally higher than in summer. Additionally, due to the cold weather, people tend to eat more food to keep warm, leading to an increase in calorie and fat intake. Outdoor activities also decrease. For those with a preference for salty foods, excessive salt intake can also cause high blood pressure and a high incidence of stroke. Research has found that eating "four fruits" in winter (grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and lemon) helps lower blood pressure and prevent stroke.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is nutritious and contains nutrients such as sugars, organic acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, P, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. Grapefruit also contains physiologically active substances like naringin and insulin-like compounds. The grapefruit pulp is very rich in vitamin C, so it can lower blood lipids, reduce blood viscosity, decrease thrombus formation, and has effects on preventing and treating cerebrovascular diseases.
Orange
Oranges are rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, etc. They can reduce the absorption of cholesterol, lower blood lipids, and have anti-atherosclerotic effects.
Tangerine
Tangerines are high in vitamin C and carotene, which can soften and protect blood vessels, and lower cholesterol and blood lipids. The pectin in tangerines helps the body expel waste, lipids, and cholesterol more quickly, and reduces the absorption of exogenous cholesterol. While detoxifying, it can also lower blood lipids. The rich vitamin C and vitamin P in tangerines can increase the body's resistance, increase the elasticity of capillaries, and lower blood cholesterol. It is beneficial for people with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and atherosclerosis to often eat tangerines.
Lemon
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and vitamin P, which can enhance the elasticity and toughness of blood vessels and can prevent and treat symptoms of hypertension and myocardial infarction. In recent years, foreign research has also found that green lemons contain a component similar to insulin, which can lower abnormal blood sugar levels.