Scientists from the George Institute in Australia found that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium in the diet helps normalize blood pressure. Results of the study: shared In the journal Human Hypertension.
20,995 people, whose data had previously been used in the scientific study called Salt Substitution and Stroke Study (effect of salt substitutes on stroke risk), participated in the study. This study was previously conducted by scientists from the George Institute. It showed that replacing regular salt with potassium-enriched salt led to a 14% reduction in the risk of stroke, a 13% reduction in the risk of serious cardiovascular disease and a 12% reduction in the risk of premature death.
The new study combined these findings with other external data sources that provide information on the relationship between changes in sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure. It turns out that the biggest health benefit comes not from reducing the amount of sodium in the diet, but from increasing the amount of potassium.
Potassium is a mineral found in a variety of foods, including legumes, nuts, vegetables, leafy greens and fruits. It is stated that when food products are processed, the amount of potassium in them decreases because it is replaced by sodium, which is often a cheaper ingredient.
The scientists added that many people with high blood pressure find it difficult to comply with dietary recommendations that recommend increasing potassium intake. An effective solution in this case would be to replace regular salt with a potassium-enriched one.
Previously recognizedWhether it is necessary to replace regular table salt with sea salt.