While perhaps it doesn’t have the same nap-inducing reputation as its fellow holiday delicacy turkey, a main course that’s a major staple for many families on Easter Sunday has a property that might surprise you.
If you have high blood pressure, you might experience swollen ankles or hands this weekend if your family get-together features a heavy dose of ham.
In a report originally published by food website Eat This, Not That, ham causes water retention, which can lead to puffiness in the extremities, due to its high salt content.
The salt comes from the curing process. A three-ounce serving of cured ham holds about 830 milligrams of sodium, according to the USDA. That’s over one-third of the daily allotment of 2,300 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association.
While the swollen ankles will simply be a mild annoyance for most, anyone suffering from high blood pressure should stay mindful of their sodium intake because that that swelling could be an exacerbating factor that increases the risk of a heart attack of stroke.
Portion control, of course, is important, but if you’re going to “go H.A.M.” on some cured pork this weekend, make sure to drink lots of water to help flush the extra sodium from your body.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD