The Potato is a Food Rich in Potassium
Potassium works with sodium to maintain the body's water balance. One possible explanation for potassium's protective effect against hypertension is that increased potassium may increase the amount of sodium excreted from the body.
It is an essential nutrient for cardiovascular health because it can negate the adverse effects of sodium. Bananas seem to get all the attention, but a potato contains nearly twice as much potassium as a banana.
Potassium Facts:
- It prevents strokes in the human brain. A person deficient in this essential body nutrient may suffer from this disease.
- It helps maintain the blood sugar level as potassium deficiency causes a drop in the blood sugar level, leading to sweating, headache, trembling, etc.
- It plays a crucial role in regular contraction and relaxation of the muscles, hence maintaining muscle functions and optimal nerves.
- It helps in preventing the possibility of muscle cramps or hypokalemia in the body.
- Since it functions as an electrolyte, it maintains the brain's electrical conductivity and impacts brain function. It is also vital in enhancing higher brain functions like memory and learning.
- Unlike sodium, potassium helps balance normal blood pressure and minimizes the possibility of heart disease and hypertension. It is also considered the best stress and anxiety buster.
- It plays a significant role in regulating water balance in the human body and assists the kidneys in removing waste products through excretion.
- Potassium boosts the spirit of nerve reflexes to send messages from one body part to another, which in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform daily activities.
