Our body contains approximately 2.6g of potassium per kg of our body weight. The requirement for potassium is greatest during periods of rapid growth. As soon as potassium is absorbed, it enters the cells.
This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contradiction, and work with sodium to control the body water balance.
Every muscle movement and every nerve impulses transmission relies on potassium. Potassium even necessary for carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
Potassium is important for chemicals reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure.
Scientists believe that hypertension can caused by too many sodium ions in the diet or not enough potassium ions. This can be result of not eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables or by eating too many processed foods and table salt.
Potassium also regulates the transfers of nutrients through cell membranes. This functions of potassium has been shown to decrease with age which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy and weakness experienced by older people.
Potassium is required for maintenance of osmotic pressure and fluid balance either the cell. Sodium is found to perform the same function in the extracellular fluid.
About 90% of the excreted potassium is eliminated in the urine.
Fruit, vegetables, milk, whole grains, dried beans and meats are all good sources of potassium.
The importance of potassium
