Potassium is an essential mineral that the body needs. Sufficient potassium intake associated with lower risk of death from all causes 20 percent, lowering the risk of stroke and blood pressure, and reduce the formation of kidney stones.
Potassium is one of the seven essential minerals needed by the body, along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, and sulfur.
The main function of potassium in the body of which helps build and move the muscles, allowing the kidneys to filter the blood, synthesize proteins, regulate the heart's electrical activity, maintaining body fluid volume and maintain normal functioning of cells.
Potassium does not cure or prevent heart disease. But enough potassium intake may protect the heart in several ways, such as helping to control blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Choose vegetables and fruit as a source of potassium.
Potassium also helps increase the problems associated with heart rhythm. This mineral plays a role in heart rate, so if you suffer from heart rhythm problems, potassium may be very useful.
Foods rich in potassium creates an alkaline environment in the body that fight acidosis caused by an unhealthy diet. Foods that are high acidosis such as meat and processed cereals trigger metabolic acidosis. This causes a loss of bone mineral density and weaken the muscles.
A study found that people who took 5266 milligrams of potassium per day had an average of 1.6 pounds less fat tissue mass than those who mengasup potassium 50 percent lower. Research also shows that a high intake of potassium can increase bone density.
The best sources of potassium
Multiply the fruits and vegetables in the diet is the best way to increase your intake of potassium. Dairy products, grains, meat, and fish are also a good source of potassium.
Potassium-rich foods also include potatoes, tomatoes, fresh fruits, especially bananas, oranges and strawberries, avocado, spinach, beans and peas, and dried fruits.
It is recommended that you keep your intake of 4,700 mg of potassium per day for good health. The easiest way to get this is by adding the amount of fruits and vegetables high in potassium in the diet.
