What is Potassium

Potassium is a mineral which is also classified as an electrolyte; this is because it plays a major role in the electrical and cellular functions of the body. Any adult over the age of 18 can consume up to 4700mg of Potassium in a day. There are various benefits that are associated with this mineral.

Sources of Potassium

There are many different foods which are rich sources of Potassium. Almost all kinds of meats including Red Meat, Chicken, Salmon, Cod, Flounder and Sardines are good sources of Potassium. Vegetables such as Broccoli, Peas, Lima Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes and Winter Squash also provide Potassium. Fruits that contain Potassium include Cantaloupe, Bananas, Prunes, Kiwi, Apricots and Citrus Fruits. Dairy products such as Milk and Yogurt are also rich sources of Potassium.

Health Benefits of Potassium

Healthy Bones

According to different studies, Potassium benefits aids in reducing the risk of developing Osteoporosis, which is a condition that results in loss of bone density. Benefits of Potassium also contains high amount of Bicarbonate, this is also beneficial for the bone health. Our bones are often damaged because of the high levels of acid found in the body, mostly junk food is the source of these acids, Bicarbonate aids in neutralizing the effect of these acids, hence, protecting the bones.

Cardiac Health

One of the major reasons why cardiac disease such as Heart Attack and Stroke occur is due to high blood pressure levels. Potassium benefits plays a key role in promoting cardiac health, it aids in the regulation of blood pressure levels. This reduces the risk of cardiac diseases greatly! Another vital role that benefits of Potassium plays is; it aids in muscle contraction, it ensures that the muscles contract efficiently which helps in healthy heart pumping.

Hypokalemia

Low level of Potassium in the blood or Hypokalemia can lead to a wide variety of health problems which includes fatigue, gastrointestinal diseases, weakness, muscle cramping and irregular heartbeat. Hence, it is very important to make sure that you fulfill your daily Potassium requirements. Ensuring that the body gets its required amount of Potassium benefits can protect us against Hypokalemia.

Metabolism

Potassium benefit is an essential nutrient since it is required for the proper functioning of many different enzymes. These enzymes aid in the breaking down of Carbohydrates and also help in making Proteins from Amino Acids. Hence, ample amount of Potassium in the body makes sure that the body gets steady supply of these two very important nutrients. Carbohydrates are a source of energy, whereas, Proteins are required for building and repairing of muscle tissues.

Health Concerns of Potassium

Excess consumption of benefits of Potassium is called Hyperkalemia. There are many different causes of Hyperkalemia which includes abnormal breakdown of Proteins, severe infection and reduced function of the kidneys. The most common is reduced kidney function, which happens a lot amongst patients on dialysis.

Conclusion

Potassium benefits play a very important role in the body and guards the body against various diseases. Generally Potassium deficiency is very rare, considering so many different foods are a source of Potassium. However, both deficiency and excess amount of Potassium can lead to many different health problems.