The potassium along with sulfur , chlorine , sodium , magnesium , phosphorus and calcium is one of the minerals which the human body needs in large quantities .It is one of the minerals most present in the cells of the human body.
What is potassium used for?
There are several functions guaranteed within the body by potassium :
- together with sodium it controls the correct functioning of the muscles and the rhythm of the heart ,
- performs a fundamental function in regulating the water content in the cells ,
- participates in the synthesis of proteins and the transformation of sugars into glycogen ,
- activates many enzymes involved in energy metabolism .
It is also essential for the transmission of nerve impulses and for the control of muscle contraction and blood pressure .
Food sources of potassium
Potassium is a mineral normally present in the plant world. It is present in fruits and vegetables, tubers and legumes, as well as cereals. The food that best represents it in the popular tradition is the banana.
The highest potassium content are
- cocoa
- stockfish
- dried fruit
- dates
- chestnuts
- apricots (also dried)
- vegetables
- vegetables
- potatoes .
In which foods is potassium present?
The foods richest in potassium are vegetables , in particular potatoes , cabbage, spinach , asparagus , legumes (especially beans and dried peas ). In fruit , the greatest content is found in bananas and apricots .
It is important that these foods are eaten fresh : to promote the absorption of potassium it is in fact essential to consume fresh products that have not undergone any preservation method.
What is the daily potassium requirement?
The recommended daily potassium requirement for adults is approximately 3 grams per day .
What consequences can potassium deficiency cause?
Symptoms related to potassium deficiency are muscle weakness (fatigue) , irregular heart beat, mood swings, nausea and / or vomiting .
What are the consequences of excess potassium?
An excess of potassium (condition also known with the names of hyperkalemia , hyperkalemia or iperkelemia that occurs especially in case of kidney failure ) causes weakness, slow heartbeat and arrhythmias. .
