A new study published in the journal New England Journal of Medicine Replacing table salt with an alternative that contains added potassium and reduced sodium can significantly reduce the number of deaths from heart attacks and strokes.
According to the website, eat this One of the largest dietary studies of sodium ever conducted on more than 20,000 men and women in 600 villages in rural China revealed that all participants either had a history of stroke, were over the age of 60, or suffered from High blood pressure are all factors that make them more likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular problems.
Over the course of five years, half of the participants used a salt substitute consisting of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride, while the other half continued to use regular salt, which is 100% sodium chloride.
At the end of the study time frame, those in the salt-replacement group showed a 14% lower risk of stroke, a 13% lower risk of other cardiovascular diseases, and a 12% lower risk of premature death, the researchers noted. About 400,000 premature deaths a year have been prevented in China alone, and if these low risks are similar worldwide, it means that millions of people would benefit from a simple switch to a salt substitute.
Although the amount of sodium is a major factor here, another key to better heart health is potassium, which lacks regular salt. The mineral acts as an electrolyte in the body, according to dietitian Shaina Jaramillo, and is essential for cardiovascular function but also for a host of other benefits. .
“Potassium regulates everything from fluid shifts in and out of every cell in the body, and is also important for maintaining bone mineral density and plays a role in proper hydration as well,” said nutritionist Sheena Jaramillo. For the heart, potassium helps regulate the heartbeat as a way to distribute blood. in the cardiovascular system and throughout the body.
Food alternatives to salt and contain potassium:
- dried fruit
- Potato
- beans and lentils
-
- Dark leafy vegetables
- avocado
- banana
