Salt-a-bration time!
You’ve probably heard that a high-sodium diet can raise your blood pressure, which increases your risk of heart disease.
But a new study out of Canada has made a fruitful discovery — increasing your intake of certain potassium-rich foods may have a greater impact on blood pressure regulation than cutting back on salt.
One standout option? Bananas.
“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt,” said Anita Layton, a professor of applied mathematics, computer science, pharmacy and biology at the University of Waterloo.
“Our research suggests that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas or broccoli, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium.”
While previous research has highlighted the benefits of potassium on blood pressure, this study employed a mathematical model to analyze how the ratio of potassium to sodium affects blood pressure.
It also explored sex differences, finding that men are more prone to high blood pressure than pre-menopausal women but may have an even better response to increased potassium intake.
“Early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, our body’s regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high-potassium, low-sodium diet,” said lead study author Melissa Stadt, a PhD candidate in Waterloo’s Department of Applied Mathematics.
“Today, Western diets tend to be much higher in sodium and lower in potassium. That may explain why high blood pressure is found mainly in industrialized societies, not in isolated societies.”
While bananas might be the unsung heroes of hypertension — their health benefits don’t end there.
Bananas are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and supports regular bowel movements. They’re packed with vitamin B6 and tryptophan, which can enhance mood, brain health and the nervous system.
Their natural sugars and carbohydrates provide a quick energy boost — at only 105 calories per snack.
Their potassium-rich content makes them one of the best foods to get over a hangover, as well as a great way to replenish electrolytes after a sweaty workout.
And — as bizarre as it sounds — people are even rubbing banana peels on their faces to reap the all-natural, glowing benefits of a “banana peel scrub.”
