We eat too much salt, it is not a scoop, especially because of the processed products that we constantly consume. The latter is the number one enemy of blood pressure, which climbs under the effects of sodium and risks heart attacks or strokes, for example. But in women, an ingredient could counterbalance this risk…: potassium, according to a study published in I’European Heart Journal.
A total of 24,963 people, between the ages of 40 and 79, took part in a study that took place in the UK. Among them, more than 11,000 men (average age 59) and more than 13,000 women (average age 58). Their blood pressure was observed and linked to their daily life, and in particular their eating habits. The researchers studied their salt and potassium intake and separated them into three groups: those who consumed high, medium or low salt.
As the study progressed, the researchers found that women with high urinary potassium levels tended to have less high blood pressure than others. And this would be explained by the fact that potassium helps the body to get rid of part of the sodium, via the urinary system. These higher potassium levels could be explained by the foods consumed: in particular bananas, fish, vegetables, milk, potatoes, dried fruits.
More effective for women but good for everyone
Scientists have estimated that women with high salt levels saw their blood pressure drop by 2.4 mmHg by adding 1 gram of potassium per day to their diet. This remark could not be made on the side of men, in whom potassium did not seem to have such a marked effect. As a reminder, recommended daily doses are a minimum of 3.5 grams of potassium per day and less than 2 grams of sodium.
After 19.5 years, 55% of the participants had suffered from cardiovascular diseases, which allowed the researchers to observe that the subjects who consumed the most potassium among those studied had a 13% lower risk. “Potassium helps maintain heart health, but it benefits women more than men,” pointed out the professor in charge of the study.
Source: Women urged to eat potassium-rich foods to improve their heart health, European Society of Cardiology, July 22, 2022.
