Health Benefits of Potassium
Potassium is a mineral present in the body and is the most abundant third mineral in the body. Potassium plays an important role in maintaining the fluid balance of the body and also acts as an electrolyte in regulating several functions with in the body.
Potassium also helps to keep the internal organs in good condition. Deficiency of potassium may cause high blood pressure, diabetes, swelling in glands etc.
Food Sources of Potassium
Potassium is available in grains, fruits and vegetables, potatoes, lima beans, tomato, banana, soy flour, apricots, figs, orange, cantaloupe etc. Nuts, chicken, salmon, sardines, almonds, whole milk etc are also rich sources of potassium.
Health Benefits
Muscle Functions
Potassium has a major role in maintaining the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves. The appropriate amount of potassium helps in the proper contraction and relaxation of the muscles and thus aids in regulating our body movements. Potassium also assures the proper muscle growth and also aids in utilizing the energy developed through metabolism for strengthening the muscles. Low level of potassium with in the body may cause muscle cramps.
Brain Health
The normal functioning of brain is possible only with the help of potassium as potassium plays a major role in regulating the electrical conductivity of the brain. Potassium also helps us to learn and memorize. It also aids in preventing the formation of stroke with in the brain. Another benefit of potassium is its ability to control stress and anxiety. Potassium also fortifies the message transmitting power of the nerves and which in turn will make possible different activities of the body.
Blood Pressure
Potassium helps us to regulate the blood pressure and thus avoids the risk of hypertension and heart diseases.
Heart Health
Potassium strengthens the muscles of the heart and also reduces the high blood pressure and thus protects the heart from various diseases.
Electrolyte
There are different types of cells with in the body and these cells require different water balance for performing their normal function. It is the potassium which acts as an electrolyte and helps the cells attains the fluid balance.
