Recent research published in the Journal Stroke claim, they who eat fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are high in potassium have a lower risk of stroke than those who received less intake of these minerals.
The findings are based on the results of an analysis of 10 international studies involving more than 200,000 volunteers and middle aged adults.
The study results revealed that each increase of 1,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium in your diet every day associated with a decreased likelihood of suffering a stroke by 11 percent within five to 14 years into the future.
According to Susanna Larsson, head of research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, it can be interpreted as considerable benefits for everyone. This study, he said, does not necessarily prove that potassium itself that provide positive benefits, but strengthens the evidence from previous research that these minerals may be beneficial.
Foods high in potassium is generally is known as a healthy food source, such as nuts, various fruits such as bananas, avocados, oranges, and greens, as well as low-fat milk.
Potassium itself is an electrolyte needed to maintain body fluid balance, and is also involved in the mechanism of action of nerve, muscle control, and blood pressure regulation.
Various studies have indicated that diets high in potassium help maintain healthy blood pressure and may protect against heart disease and stroke.
In their study, Larsson and colleagues studied nearly 270,000 people, and 8695 of them (one of 30 people) suffered a stroke. Decrease in stroke risk seen when an increase in intake of 1,000 mg of potassium per day after accounting for other factors, such as age, exercise habits, and smoking.
According to researchers, in particular potassium was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of brain arteries. Ischemic strokes account for about 80 percent of strokes.
This finding is in line with a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which followed more than 12,000 adults over 15 years. The researchers found that people who eat more sodium, but low potassium intake, increased risk of dying from various types of diseases.
Potassium is a mineral that functions in the body to help balance the effects of sodium, maintaining blood pressure, and helps the body remove excess fluid. According to the CDC, in adults, the average should get no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. While for those aged over 50 years and have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease, it is recommended to limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day.
As for potassium, the CDC recommends adults to get 4700 mg a day of food. However, in people with kidney disease and are taking certain drugs (such as hypertension) have to be careful. Too high levels of potassium in the blood can cause a condition called hyperkalemia, which can trigger heart rhythm disturbances.
Source: Reuters
