A recent study has revealed that consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas can help reduce blood pressure, especially when sodium intake is also limited in the diet.
Dr. Daniel Jones, Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, explained that “sodium raises blood pressure, while potassium lowers it.”
He emphasized that bananas are not the only source of potassium — avocados and broccoli also contain this vital mineral and may contribute to better blood pressure regulation.
Different Responses Between Men and Women
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, highlighted biological differences in how men and women respond to sodium and potassium. These findings suggest the importance of personalized dietary strategies to prevent high blood pressure.
Nutritionist Yasi Ansari commented, “Premenopausal women tend to have a weaker response to sodium compared to men of the same age group, but after age 60, the rates of high blood pressure in women surpass those in men.”
She also noted that bananas contain other valuable nutrients, including vitamin C, antioxidants, and 3 grams of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
Is One Banana a Day Enough?
Eating one banana a day is considered a healthy choice, but it does not meet the full daily requirement for potassium. A medium-sized banana contains about 358 mg of potassium, which accounts for only around 9% of the recommended daily intake.
Experts warn that excessive potassium intake may lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia, which can negatively impact health.
Source: Sky News Arabia