A potassium-rich diet helps lower blood pressure by helping the body increase sodium excretion - one of the factors that increases blood pressure when consumed too much. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends increasing potassium-rich foods, of which green vegetables and fruits are an important source.
Bananas are one of the fruits that contains a lot of potassium. A medium-sized banana provides about 400 mg of potassium, contributing to meeting the body's daily potassium needs. In addition, bananas also contain fiber, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, bringing many benefits to cardiovascular health.
To help control blood pressure, adults can eat about one banana per day or intercrop with other potassium-rich fruits such as oranges, kiwis, cantaloupe. Bananas should be used as a snack or combined with oats, unsweetened yogurt to increase nutritional value.
However, bananas are not "hypertensive foods" and cannot replace medication. Blood pressure control effectiveness is only achieved when combined with a low-salt diet, increased green vegetables, fruits, maintaining a reasonable weight and regular exercise.
People with chronic kidney disease or needing to limit potassium should consult a doctor before increasing the amount of bananas or potassium-rich foods in their diet.
