Heart health: 7 potassium-rich foods to slash the risk of heart failure
Published on: Aug. 31, 2025, 8 p.m. | Source: Times of India
Here’s the kicker about heart health: it often feels complicated because of the guidelines and restrictions it comes with. What to eat, what to cut down on, what processed foods and drinks to limit, or what veggies to add to your daily diet.Here’s the solution the latest research has suggested.The recent findings offer a simple, powerful change: eating more potassium-rich foods could slash your risk of heart disease to a large extent. The breakthrough study from Denmark suggests that eating more potassium-rich foods could lower the risk of heart failure, dangerous irregular heart rhythms, and hospitalization by a striking 24%. That’s nearly a quarter reduction, simply by selecting the right foods.How? Potassium is an essential mineral that helps your body balance fluid levels by flushing out excess sodium, regulate heartbeats, and control blood pressure. Researchers involved over 1,200 heart patients with implantable defibrillators in what’s known as the Potcast trial. Participants were guided to increase their potassium intake using everyday, affordable foods.Why does this matter? Because diets high in sodium and low in potassium are now the norm, exactly the opposite of what humans evolved with. And many of us don’t eat enough potassium to keep our blood pressure and heart rhythm stable.So, what’s the key here? Common, affordable foods like avocados, bananas, spinach, lentils, and baked potatoes. How to add those conveniently to your daily diet?Let’s dive in for the simple hacks and tips.