Melons effective in controlling blood pressure
POSTED September 3, 2009 - 15:57 | POSTED BY Jyoti Pal
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on September 3, 2009 - 16:21
It is a known fact among the medical fraternity that potassium chloride can lower blood pressure levels. But a potassium rich diet not only helps in controlling the BP, but also lessens the chances of heart disease and strokes.
The study linking potassium intake with BP
The new study, conducted at UT Southwestern Medical Center, found that increase in potassium intake can lead to comparable beneficial results.
The study that involved 3,300 subjects found a strong link between low levels of potassium in diets and high blood pressure.
The researchers noted, “Lower the potassium in the diet, higher the blood pressure. This effect is even stronger than effect of sodium on blood pressure.”
Another study conducted in the United States recently established that an intake of 4.7 grams of potassium on a daily basis is effective to neutralize the effect of high salt ingestion on blood pressure.
Melon - the wonder fruit
Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at University of Texas-Southwestern (UTS) and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, noted, "Melons like cantaloupe and watermelon are particularly high in potassium."
Stating the importance of melons as potassium-rich diet, Sandon said, "One-fourth of a cantaloupe contains 800 to 900 mg of potassium, roughly 20 percent of the recommended daily value."
The watermelon is low on calories and high on vitamin C. Additionally, it has lycopene, an antioxidant that can potentially cut the risk of cancer.
According to a UTS release, two cups of watermelon contain nearly a tenth of the daily recommended value. Avocados, beans, dried apricots, dates, figs, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, raisins, potatoes and tomatoes are also good sources of potassium.
Sandon, who is a clinical nutrition expert, noted that potassium is abundant in dairy foods such as yoghurt and some kinds of fishes.
“Research shows that whole grains are good for your heart, lower risk of diabeties and stroke, and may help prevent certain cancers. They also help in managing weight,” Sandon added.
The recommendation from the US department of agriculture is that the potassium intake from food and beverages for an average adult should be 4,044 milligrams.
