Many prestigious scientific studies have proven that adequate potassium supplementation can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
According to the World Health Organization, increasing the amount of potassium in the diet can reduce blood pressure in adults and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The organization recommends that adults consume about 3,510 mg of potassium per day. Meanwhile, a medium-sized sweet potato, about 130g, contains about 440 mg of potassium; a medium-sized potato, about 150g, can provide up to 620 mg of potassium - accounting for more than 15% of the recommended daily intake.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine with the participation of more than 100,000 people from 18 countries showed that the sodium/ kali ratio in the diet is closely linked to the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. People with a higher potassium than sodium ratio are at a significantly lower risk. This shows that increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods such as potatoes and sweet potatoes is an important strategy to improve cardiovascular health.
Researchers also recommend supplementing foods rich in potassium to help regulate blood pressure naturally. Potassium acts as a countermeasure to sodium when potassium increases, the body can excrete sodium through urine, thereby reducing blood pressure on the vessel walls.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are not only a source of energy but also bring great benefits to the heart thanks to their rich potassium content. Adding them to your daily diet is a simple, natural and effective way to protect your heart.
