Potassium: Is It Good For You? Everything you should know
Potassium is one of the most important minerals in your body and plays an essential role in various body functions such as digestion, blood pressure, nerve impulses, normal water balance, pH balance, muscle contraction, and heart rhythm.
It is also an electrolyte that conducts electrical impulses throughout the body. Your body can’t produce potassium naturally, therefore, you must eat the right balance of foods rich in potassium.
This article will help you understand the importance of potassium to your health.
Sources of Potassium
Foods are the major source of potassium. Potassium-rich foods include:
- Whole grains
- Fruits such as oranges, apricot, pineapples, kiwi, and bananas.
- Beans and nuts
- Lean meats
- Vegetables like leafy greens, potatoes, and carrots.
Health Benefits of Potassium
1. Prevents stroke
When there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, a stroke is likely to occur. Studies have shown that people who eat foods rich in potassium have a lower risk of having a stroke than those who don’t. Eating a diet rich in potassium is also linked to a reduction in the risk of heart disease.
2. Prevents kidney stones
Kidney stones are a group of materials that form in concentrated urine. Calcium is a common mineral in kidney stones, and studies have shown that potassium citrate lowers the calcium levels in urine, this way potassium helps to prevent kidney stones. A lot of fruits and vegetables contain potassium so it’s shouldn’t be difficult to incorporate into your diet.
3. May reduce blood pressure
A diet rich in potassium may reduce blood pressure by ridding the body of excess sodium. High sodium levels can increase blood pressure, especially in people that already have high blood pressure.
4. May prevent osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by hollow and porous bones. It is often connected to a low level of calcium, an important mineral for bone health. Studies have shown that a diet rich in potassium may help prevent osteoporosis by reducing the rate at which the body loses calcium through urine.