New Delhi, 14 April (IANS). Eating potassium -rich fruits and vegetables like banana or broccoli can help reduce high blood pressure (high blood pressure). According to a study, more than 30 percent of adults worldwide suffer from high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can cause problems such as heart disease, stroke (paralysis), kidney disease, disturbances in heartbeat and reduced memory.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo of Canada found that blood pressure can be better controlled by increasing the amount of potassium in food and decreasing the amount of salt (sodium).
Anita Latton, professor of computer science, pharmacy and biology at Waterloo University, said, “We are usually advised to eat less salt, but our study suggests that eating foods rich in potassium like banana or broccoli can have even more good effects on blood pressure.”
Both potassium and sodium are elements that control muscle function and water volume in the body. The study has been published in the American Journal of Physiology- Reenal Physiology.
Researchers said that in the olden times humans used to eat more fruits and vegetables, causing the body to mold according to such a diet – in which potassium was more and sodium was less. But in today’s western food, salt is more and potassium is less. Perhaps this is why high blood pressure is found in developed countries, while it is less in remote areas.
To understand how to control blood pressure by increasing the intake of potassium, the team also created a mathematical model to understand. The study also found that men get high blood pressure quickly than women, but men benefit more by increasing the amount of potassium.
-IANS
AS/
