Daily Banana Consumption: What 2 Bananas a Day Can Do for You
2. Help maintain healthy blood pressure
Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. When the body lacks sufficient potassium, it tends to retain more water, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. This is primarily because high sodium levels cause the body to hold onto water, and without adequate potassium to balance this effect, the risk of developing hypertension significantly increases. How Potassium Counteracts Sodium Potassium helps to counteract the negative effects of sodium by promoting its excretion through urine. This process reduces water retention, which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. Sodium and potassium have opposite effects on the body; while sodium tends to increase water retention and blood pressure, potassium promotes the elimination of excess sodium, helping to maintain a healthy balance of fluids. This balance is essential for stable blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.