Potassium is a mineral that serves as an electrolyte and it is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. About 98 percent of the potassium content of our bodies is located inside our cells.
It is the main positive ion of the fluid within our cells. They play a great role in controlling the movement of the heart, the muscles and almost all the cells in the body. It is also involved in the body's energy production and muscle building. It works with sodium to regulate the water balance in our body cells.
Here are some of the health benefits of potassium:
1. It helps to prevent kidney stones.
Kidney stones are calcium that developed in the kidneys. Potassium helps to prevent the development of kidney stones because it acts as an agent to prevent calcium from developing into stones. This is then filtered in the kidneys and excreted out of the body in the form of urine.
2. It helps to keep your brain in good health.
Potassium helps to keep your brain healthy by carrying oxygen to it. It also plays an important role in the supply of neurotransmitters which the brain uses to send signals to your nerves. According to health experts, potassium also works to relieve headaches and alleviate symptoms of allergies.
3. It helps to restore blood sugar levels to normal.
Sufficient potassium levels helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. A decline in potassium levels causes your body's blood sugar level to drop. This can lead to sweating, headache, weakness, trembling and nervousness. These symptoms can be eliminated by the intake of potassium chloride and sodium.
4. It helps to regulate the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
Potassium is present in almost all the cells in your body, and it plays an important role in the normal functioning of your muscles and nerves.
5. It helps to prevent muscle cramps.
Low potassium levels in the blood can cause muscle cramps. This can be prevented by eating at least one banana fruit daily.
6. It helps to prevent high blood pressure.
The active role of potassium in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation helps to normalize the function of your heart. This can translate to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart diseases.
7. It helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
Potassium is a known stress buster and it plays an important role in helping people who are suffering from anxiety and stress.
8. It helps to promote muscle strength.
Potassium is an important mineral which your body needs for muscle growth and strength.
9. It helps to facilitate metabolism.
Potassium helps in your body's metabolic processing of nutrients such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It plays a big role in extracting energy out of the nutrients that we take in.
These are some of the health benefits of potassium. Natural sources of this mineral include bananas, pecans, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and pineapples.
