In addition to helping the body deal with cramps, a diet high in potassium can have an even greater health benefit. According to research carried out by the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, regular consumption of foods rich in potassium can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. The survey was published in the scientific journal European Heart Journal.
The study analyzed data from 25,000 elderly Britons, and the participants were followed for 20 years to arrive at the results. They completed a questionnaire about their eating habits, and had their blood pressure and urine samples monitored to check the amount of potassium ingested. According to scientists, on average, there is a 13% decrease in the chances of developing heart disease when there is sufficient consumption of the mineral.
Responsible for the research, Professor Liffert Vogt explains that most health advice to avoid cardiovascular problems cites the importance of controlled sodium intake, and potassium is essential to help the body excrete the substance in the urine, but its action seems to go wrong. in addition.
“The relationship between potassium and cardiovascular events was the same regardless of salt intake, suggesting that potassium has other ways of protecting the heart, in addition to increasing sodium excretion,” he says. According to the study, foods such as bananas, avocados and salmon help keep blood pressure low, mitigating the impacts of high salt consumption.
3 Cards_Gallery_of_Photos (2)High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease that attacks the heart, blood vessels, eyes, brain and can drastically affect the kidneys. It is caused when the pressure is frequently above 140 by 90 mmHgGizmo/Getty Images
***Picture-pot-with-salt-and-danger-symbol-on-front.jpgApart from the genetic issue, factors such as consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, large amounts of salt, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, advanced age, stress and a sedentary lifestyle can also influence blood pressure levels.Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
***Picture-person-putting-remedios-in-hands.jpgDizziness, blurred vision, headache or neck pain are the main symptoms related to the disease. These discomforts usually appear when the pressure builds up quickly.Colin Hawkins/Getty Images
***Picture-person-putting-remedios-in-hands.jpgOther common symptoms in people with high blood pressure are: ringing in the ears, double or blurry vision, pain in the back of the head and head, drowsiness, palpitations, nausea and small blood spots in the eyes.Grace Cary/Getty Images
***Picture-person-lying-in-hospital-bed-with-health-people-around.jpgHigh blood pressure is responsible for serious health problems like stroke, heart failure and vision loss. When you suspect that you have the disease, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure with a proper device, at home or at the pharmacy.Peter M. Fisher/Getty Images
***Picture-people-running.jpgDespite gravity, high blood pressure can be controlled. Healthy habits such as exercising, eating healthy, avoiding situations that can cause stress, reducing alcohol consumption, keeping weight and cholesterol under control, and avoiding drugs that increase blood pressure (such as caffeine, antidepressants, and corticosteroids) can help control blood pressure Getty Images
***Picture-person-consulting-with-doctor.jpgWhen presenting any symptoms, a cardiologist should be sought. As it is a disease that has no cure and can cause cardiovascular problems, early diagnosis considerably reduces more serious and irreversible conditions.bluecinema/ Getty Images
***Picture-person-putting-remedios-in-hands.jpgOnly a specialist is able to diagnose cases of hypertension and indicate the necessary treatment to reduce symptoms and consequences of the disease. Generally, the use of medication and rest are indicatedA. Martin UW Photography/ Getty Images
***Picture-person-consulting-with-doctor-2.jpgHowever, if the pressure remains higher than indicated, that is, 140/90 mmHg after one hour, the patient should immediately go to a hospital to take intravenous antihypertensives.Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
0
Previous studies conducted on animals have shown that the mineral helps muscles relax and have more energy, which is why it is so good for preventing cramps. The effects are also valid for the heart muscles and artery walls, which remain flexible, preventing cardiovascular complications.
The benefits would be greater for women, according to the survey. Participants who regularly consumed potassium were 11% less likely to have a cardiovascular problem than those who did not. In the case of men, the percentage corresponded to 9%.
In an interview with The Sun newspaperBritish Heart Foundation senior nutritionist Tracy Parker says the Dutch study corroborates the latest advances in science, and proves that decreasing salt and increasing potassium in the diet can be the recipe for a healthier heart.
“An easy way to increase your intake of the mineral is to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Other foods such as pulses, fish, nuts, seeds and milk are also high in potassium and low in salt, which can help benefit the heart,” he says.
Get news from metropolises on your Telegram and stay on top of everything! Just access the channel: https://t.me/metropolesurgente.