Experts on endocrinology and physiology have recently found that consuming bananas, sweet potatoes and spinach each day could help to reverse the deadly condition of high blood pressure, popularly known as hypertension.
The scientists, through a new research discovered that the beneficial mineral in the combination of fruits and vegetables works in similar way as diuretics, drugs that are usually used to lower blood pressure.
Noting the richness of the combo in potassium-a vital mineral in reducing the sodium level in the human body, the researchers explained that the fresh produce helps prevent hypertension by balancing levels of salt within the body. However, health experts recommend adults consume at least 4.7g of the nutrient each day to notice any benefit.
The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism, and reported on Daily Mail Online, identified increased levels of dietary sodium as the main cause of high blood pressure, noted that it is believed to affect 1 billion people around the world.
Decreasing sodium intake is a well-established way to lower blood pressure. But evidence suggests increasing dietary potassium may have an equally important effect on hypertension
Dr Alicia McDonough, of the University of Southern California, who is the lead author of the review, explained the aim of the study, which he said was to explore the link between dietary habits and blood pressure.
Assessing urine samples of participants, they discovered that higher dietary potassium was linked to lower blood pressure.
Dr McDonough added: “When dietary potassium is high, kidneys excrete more salt and water. But including more potassium into people’s diet will take a conscious effort, she concluded.
She said: “If you eat a typical Western diet, your sodium intake is high and your potassium intake is low. This significantly increases your chances of developing high blood pressure”.
