The recommendations of a new study urged women to prioritize foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, avocados and salmon, to reduce the impact of salt, thereby lowering high blood pressure, and reducing risks to heart health.
The study, conducted at the University of Amsterdam and published in the Journal of the European Heart Association, said: “A potassium-rich diet is associated with lower blood pressure, especially in women who eat large amounts of salt, and are over the age of 40.”

24,963 people participated in the study, including 13696 women, and the ages of the participants ranged between 40 and 79 years. The follow-up period for participants’ health records was 20 years.

The study found that potassium has a clear positive effect on women’s health, but it is not that clear for men.
The study urged eating at least 3.5 grams of potassium per day, and controlling the amount of sodium by no more than two grams per day.

Potassium is found in: bananas, potatoes, salmon, milk, legumes, nuts, and many fruits and vegetables. In general, processed foods contain large amounts of salt.