New Delhi. High blood pressure and heart diseases have become very common now. Young people are also becoming their victims. While talking about blood pressure and heart health, we often pay maximum attention to less intake of salt and oil, weight control and exercise. This is definitely important for heart health, but do you know that there is a mineral which is said to be the best friend of blood pressure and heart health?
Health experts say, potassium is a very important mineral for our health. The body needs it not only for muscle function, but it also plays a role in maintaining blood pressure balance and the normal functioning of the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart.
Potassium also helps in controlling the sodium level in the body, which reduces the risk of sudden increase in BP and keeps the heart healthy.
Potassium is essential for the body
Experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) say that it is considered necessary for all adults to take at least 3400 mg of potassium daily. Potassium helps in removing sodium from the body through urine. Apart from this, it can help in reducing the tension of the walls of blood vessels, which helps in controlling blood pressure. This is the reason why fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains along with potassium rich foods are included in the DASH diet to control high blood pressure.
What does potassium do in the body?
Potassium is an essential electrolyte and mineral for the body. It plays a role in the normal functioning of cells, muscles and nerves. In particular, the balance of potassium in the body is necessary for the normal functioning of other muscles including the heart. The importance of potassium also increases because it helps in removing excess sodium through urine.
Health experts say, including adequate amounts of potassium in the diet can help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, stroke and coronary heart disease.
What do experts say?
According to the American Heart Association, potassium also helps reduce the tension in the blood vessel walls, which can help keep blood pressure under control. Potassium requirements may vary according to age. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the adequate intake is 3,400 mg per day for adult men and 2,600 mg per day for women.
The best way to get potassium is to get it from food. Banana is its best source. Apart from this, foods like beans, peas, nuts, spinach and cabbage are also sources of potassium.
Health experts say, fulfill the requirement of potassium from food. Doctors may prescribe potassium supplements to some people, although taking them without medical advice can be harmful.