Importance of Potassium in our Diet
Today most of the people have no idea about high potassium foods are required by our body. So first of all let me brief you about potassium and how is it related to our
body.
Potassium is a chemical element and occurs in the form of ionic salt in nature. It is an important mineral salt for our body. Its importance can be evaluated from the fact that it plays a crucial role in functioning of human nervous system, human muscles, kidney, fluid balances and heart etc. Most importantly it maintains the osmotic balance between cells and the interstitial fluid in our body. So it is really important to have high potassium foods in our daily diet.
Diet which contains high potassium foods reduces the risk of hypertension and probability of heart stroke. Due to fewer intakes of high potassium foods in diet the potassium content decreases in body and it causes a fatal condition called as hypokalemia, puking sensation, diarrhea and increased dieresis. In particular high potassium foods are most important for sports person and for those who have high fluid loss.
Deficiency of potassium in our body cam be easily detected by certain symptoms like muscle weakness, ECG abnormalities, reluctant reflex response, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory paralysis .The daily intake of potassium should be nearly 4000mg.So we should plan our diet in such a way that it includes high potassium foods on daily basis.
Fewer intakes of high potassium foods may cause a problem of high blood pressure. It can be controlled by eating more of fruits and vegetables and by decreasing the processed food. Increasing intake of fiber may also reduce your blood pressure.
In brief, potassium is a vital mineral which maintains the water balance in our body. It helps to maintain the fluid distribution in each individual’s cell. Your heart beat relies on such routine procedures, as well as your nerves, muscles, metabolism, brain, kidneys, and a slew of complex chemical reactions that happen every day within you. With these advantages it becomes necessary that people should be aware of the qualities of high potassium foods and it should be included in your daily diet.
Some high potassium foods are:
- Apricots
- Sultanas and Raisins
- All Bran
- Figs
- Dried mixed fruit
- Most Seeds and nuts average (unsalted)
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Bananas