Functions of Potassium in the Body
- Potassium is important as an alkalizing agent.
- It maintains a proper acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues.
- It prevents hyper acidity.
- This mineral is essential for muscle contraction and is, therefore, important for the proper functioning of the heart, especially for maintaining a normal heartbeat.
- It promotes the secretion of hormones and helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood.
- Potassium prevents female hormonal disorders by stimulating the hormone production.
- It is involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system and helps to overcome fatigue.
- It also assists in reducing blood pressure.
Sources of Potassium
Potassium is widely distributed in foods. Pulses such as green gram, cow peas, red gram, and black gram; and vegetables like lotus stems and sword beans are rich in potassium. Other good sources are legumes, leafy vegetables, and fruits such as Stone Apple, sweet limes, peaches, and apricots.