Kippers: Are They Really Good For High Blood Pressure? (Expert Answer)
✪ Key Takeaway: Kippers contain beneficial omega-3s that lower blood pressure but their extremely high sodium content cancels out these benefits. Introduction You walk past the fish counter and spot those golden-brown smoked herrings called kippers. Your doctor told you to eat more fish for your blood pressure, but you wonder if these salty-looking kippers actually help or hurt your numbers. Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach, and today I am going to explain the complete truth about kippers and blood pressure so you can make the right choice for your health. What Exactly Are Kippers And Why Do People Eat Them? Kippers are whole herring fish that have been split open, gutted, salted, and then cold-smoked over wood chips. This traditional preservation method originated in Britain during the 1840s when refrigeration did not exist. The smoking process gives kippers their distinctive golden-brown color and intense smoky flavor that people either love or hate. People traditionally eat kippers for breakfast in the UK, often grilled and served with eggs and toast. The fish provides a convenient protein source because you can cook them quickly without any complicated preparation. Modern kippers come vacuum-packed and ready to eat, making them even more accessible than the traditional whole smoked fish. However, the preservation process that makes kippers shelf-stable also creates the biggest problem for blood pressure management. ✪ Fact: A single kipper can contain up to 990 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly half your daily recommended limit. Do Kippers Actually Contain