As we need various other nutrients for a healthy body, we also need potassium that acts as an electrolyte to stimulate our body muscles and nerves. Potassium is an essential ingredient of our routine diet that supports the metabolism of carbohydrates and building of proteins in our bodies. Our bones are able to retain calcium just because we have potassium in our bodies that helps in calcium retention. Read on to know about some of the most important functions of potassium and its significance for all of us.
Maintenance of cardiovascular system
Potassium helps in controlling the contraction of heart muscles and regulating one’s heartbeat. The health of our cardiovascular system depends on an optimum amount of potassium in our bodies. A lower or higher amount of potassium may also lead to the stoppage of heartbeat.
Carriage of electrical impulses
Potassium is a mineral that functions like an electrolyte in our bodies. It not only transmits electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and muscles, but also maintains body fluids while working with other electrolytes. Potassium regulates the levels of acids in our bodies within a proper and healthy range.
Maintenance of blood pressure
A healthy amount of potassium is also required to maintain normal blood pressure. Those people, who have a problem of high blood pressure, may receive benefits from potassium in case they keep their sodium intake minimum. Sodium and potassium play a contrasting role when it comes to an increase or decrease in blood pressure. While sodium raises it, potassium helps in lowering down the pressure in blood.
Building of bones
Bone formation is also controlled by potassium that helps in maintaining a proper amount of calcium in our bodies. It helps in avoiding the loss of calcium and other minerals in bones. Proper calcium levels reduce the risk of kidney stones, and thus, potassium indirectly maintains kidney health too.