Bananas and salmon help counter effect of salt in women’s diet, study finds

The negative effects of salt on women's diet can be reduced by eating foods such as bananas, avocados and salmon.

Women with high salt intakes were found to have lower blood pressure.

Women benefit more from the mineral than men according to researchers.

High salt consumption is associated with elevated blood pressure and a raised risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It's difficult to limit salt intake when our diet includes processed foods. The study found that the greatest health gains in women were linked to the amount of potassium in their diet.

The men and women were recruited from general practices in Norfolk, UK, between 1993 and 1997.

A urine sample was collected after everyone completed a questionnaire about their lifestyles. The urates were used to estimate the amount of calories in the diet.

The researchers found that women who drank in grams per day were more likely to have highblood pressure. Blood pressure went down as the mineral intake increased.

The relationship between blood pressure and the amount of salt in the diet was only observed in women with high salt intakes.

They found that people with the highest intakes had a lower risk of cardiovascular events. The risk reductions for men and women were different.

The researchers found that the amount of salt in the diet did not affect the relationship between the two.

The results show that women benefit more from cardiovascular health than men.

The relationship between the two was the same regardless of the amount of salt eaten.

Adults between the ages of 19 and 64 should be able to get this from their diet as recommended by the National Health Service.

Vegetables, fruit, nuts, beans, dairy products and fish are some of the high-potassium foods. A 115g banana, 154g of salmon, 136g potato, and one cup of milk all have the same amount of Potassium.

The British Heart Foundation believes that cutting down our intake of salt and eating more fruits and vegetables can be the recipe for a healthier heart.

Five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is an easy way to increase your intake. Milk, nuts, seeds, and fish are all high in potassium and low in salt, so they can benefit your heart.

Keeping healthy isn't just about watching what you eat.

The risk of a heart attack or stroke will be reduced if you limit your alcohol intake and stay active.

The findings are in a journal.