Potassium May Provide Cardiovascular Benefits

Potassium is an essential mineral that is necessary for the normal functioning of all the body’s’ cells. In addition, the more potassium a person eats, the more sodium they eliminate through urine. A recent study has found that eating a potassium-rich diet may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Participants in the study included 11,267 men and 13,696 women who were part of the EPIC-Norfolk cohort. Urine sodium and potassium levels were measured and used to estimate intake. Blood pressure levels were also evaluated. Participants were followed for an average of 19.5 years and all cardiovascular events were recorded.

Women participants who had the highest potassium intake saw the greatest association with lower blood pressure levels. Every 1-gram increase in daily potassium was associated with a 2.4 mmHg lower systolic blood pressure. No association was seen between potassium and blood pressure levels in men.

In addition, higher potassium intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events in both men and women. Specifically, men and women with the highest potassium intake had a 7% and 11% reduction in risk of a cardiovascular event, respectively.

Foods that are high in potassium include potatoes, white beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cantaloupe, bananas, and salmon.

The study was conducted by researchers from Amsterdam University Medical Centers.  It was published online ahead of print on July 21, 2022 in the European Heart Journal.

Lycopene was found to help support healthy blood pressure levels in a previous study.