According to a recent study, eating a diet rich in potassium could bring many health benefits to teenagers.
A team of researchers conducted the study in which it involved analyzing the dietary habits of 2185 teenagers.
The scientists found that an increased potassium intake could reduce the risk of various cardiovascular diseases by protecting the blood pressure. A high consumption of fruits and vegetables could help teenagers live a long and healthy life, according to the recent findings.
The scientists monitored the teenagers over a period of ten years and measured on a regular basis the levels of sodium and potassium in their bodies, as well as monitoring the data of their blood pressure.
According to the research, potassium plays a very important role in maintaining an optimal health and to this conclusion came numerous other previous studies.
Lynn L. Moore, a researcher at the Boston University School of Medicine and one of the authors of the study, explained that there is no evidence that a higher intake of sodium can affect negatively the blood pressure in adolescents.
Potassium is found naturally in a variety of food sources and is known to help improve the functions of the kidneys, reduces blood pressure and helps regulating the heart beats.
The new study also revealed other surprising information. The scientists observed that even if teenagers have a higher level of sodium in their bodies, it will not necessarily lead to an increased blood pressure.
The experts explained that a higher intake of potassium has been associated inversely with blood pressure modification throughout teenage years.
The researchers added that potassium could play a more important role than sodium in regulating blood pressure.
According to the scientists’ findings, the teenagers who consumed a higher amount of potassium had a much lower blood pressure than the teens who ate less foods rich in potassium.
The experts advise that it’s important to focus on increasing the amount of potassium, rather than reducing the intake of sodium.
Health officials recommend that adults should consume at least 3150 mg of potassium daily. According to nutritionists, eating a banana can deliver approximately 430 mg of potassium, while consuming a baked potato provides about 700 mg of potassium.
Experts recommend consuming fruits and vegetables that have a high content of potassium in our daily diet. Some of those foods are avocadoes, spinach, kale and broccoli.
The findings of the new study were published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
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