This Mineral Found In Bananas Can Help Lower Blood Pressure And Boost Heart Health

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become increasingly common. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it places extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to severe complications such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage, and even vision loss. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be effectively managed through diet and lifestyle changes. Consuming a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can significantly reduce blood pressure.

One key nutrient that can help combat high blood pressure is potassium. This essential mineral plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure by balancing the negative effects of sodium, which is known to elevate blood pressure. A potassium-rich diet helps relax the walls of blood vessels, thereby lowering the pressure within them. Making simple dietary adjustments to increase your potassium intake can contribute to lower blood pressure.

Moreover, Studies suggest that potassium helps lower blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and regulates heart rate, resulting in better heart health.

Bananas and other sources of potassium

One of the well-known sources of potassium is bananas. Bananas are convenient snacks and nutritionally rich. They are also versatile, making them easy to include in various meals and recipes. A medium-sized banana contains about 350-400 mg of potassium.

A recent study revealed that eating bananas and other potassium-rich foods is more effective in controlling blood pressure than just cutting salt.

In addition to bananas, other excellent sources of potassium include leafy greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, avocados, beans, oranges, and potatoes.

Some more reasons why you need potassium

• Potassium helps boost bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
• It may also help reduce the risk of kidney disease
• Potassium also helps reduce water retention
• Potassium helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and manage type-2 diabetes effectively

How much potassium do you need in a day?

According to the National Institutes of Health, adult men require 3,400 mg of potassium while women require 2,300 mg. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require slightly higher doses.

To conclude, managing high blood pressure is essential for maintaining good health. By focusing on dietary changes, especially increasing potassium intake, individuals can effectively lower their blood pressure and boost heart health.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.