A study published in the June 25 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that young men from ages 18 - 39 who have higher than normal blood pressure are at greater risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attacks and strokes later in life. As a good source of potassium, bananas may help young men reduce their risk of high blood pressure and resulting heart diseases. Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially agreed that, "Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." A medium size banana contains 467 milligrams of potassium, providing 13 per cent of the current recommended average daily intake of 3,500 milligrams, and bananas are sodium-free. "Bananas are among the top foods with the highest concentration of potassium," said Tim Debus, vice president of the International Banana Association (IBA), a trade association advocating the increased consumption of bananas. "The data are clear that potassium intake is associated with a high blood pressure-lowering effect." The study noted that the data strongly supported the strategic concept that prevention should begin in childhood by encouraging healthy eating habits. Eating bananas can promote a healthy lifestyle, as a single banana is a good source of potassium, vitamin C and dietary fibre. Source: International Banana Association
