Diet High In Potassium Lowers Risk Of Stroke, Study Says

A study , published and reported in the journal Stroke , says that people who eat high -potassium foods maybe less likely to suffer a stroke than those whose diet has little of the mineral.

Findings of the study comes from an analysis of 10 international studies involving  middle-aged and older adults participants.. Of the 270,000 study participants, 8,695 or about one in 30- suffered a stroke. But a drop in stroke risk was observed with each 1,000 mg. increase in daily potassium with factors such as age, exercise habits and smoking taken into account.

"Dietary potassium intake is inversely associated with risk of stroke," wrote Susanna Larsson, lead researcher from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Potassium is a mineral needed for the body's fluid balance, and is also involved in nerve and muscle control, and blood pressure regulation. High potassium foods include a variety of fruits and vegetables, beans and dairy products. The findings adds another reason for people to eat more high potassium foods , the lead researcher told Reuters Health thru email.