The number one nutrient you need to prevent stroke
When it comes to preventing stroke, we’re usually told our best bet is to control our blood pressure, avoid smoking, eat healthy and be active. But in addition to this advice, according to a new study, there’s something else we could be doing to prevent a stroke – increase our potassium intake.
A recent study of over 90,000 women between the ages of 50 and 70 from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that those with high levels of potassium in their diet had a 12 per cent lower risk of stroke in general and 16 per cent lower risk of ischemic stroke.
In women who didn’t suffer hypertension (high blood pressure), the benefit was even greater, reducing general stroke risk by 21 per cent and ischemic by 27 per cent.
Researchers have previously linked high potassium intake with lower blood pressure, which may explain the reduced risk of stroke, but this study was the first to show that potassium itself reduces stroke risk.
“We think the beneficial effects act through other pathways, beyond the effects on blood pressure,” lead author, epidemiologist Dr Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller.
“Our findings give women another reason to eat their fruits and vegetables. They're good sources of potassium, and potassium not only lowers postmenopausal women's risk of stroke, but also of death.”
While it may be the nutrient’s poster fruit, potassium can be found in more than just banana. Potato, watermelon, leafy greens (think spinach and kale), beans, milk, yoghurt, pistachios, salmon, chicken breast and more also contain high levels of potassium.
The Australian and New Zealand governments recommend a daily potassium intake of 3,800mg for men and 2,800 mg for women.