Potassium is one of the important minerals that our bodies need. With the right amount of potassium, our body will prevent various types of diseases.
Potassium or potassium plays a role in maintaining the balance of body fluids, breaking down and utilizing carbohydrates, and building up protein. This mineral also works to build muscles, maintain normal body growth, control the body's acid-base balance and the electrical activity of the nerves and heart.
Benefits of Potassium
In addition to those mentioned above, potassium also has many other benefits for the body. Here are some of the health benefits of potassium (potassium):
1. Lowering high blood pressure
It is believed that taking potassium supplements may lower blood pressure, especially for those who consume foods high in salt .Not only that, it is also believed that eating foods that contain potassium helps prevent hypertension.
2. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Eating foods rich in potassium daily is very important for keeping heart rate stable. The state of hypokalemia, in which the patient lacks potassium in the body, is believed to play a role in the occurrence of death from arrhythmia.
People who have had heart problems in the past have a higher risk of dying from arrhythmias. What's more, potassium-based foods are also believed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
3.Reducing the risk of stroke
Consumption of foods containing potassium is believed to be helpful in reducing the risk of stroke by up to 20%, especially ischemic stroke (stroke due to a blocking blood clot). Blood vessels).
4. The most common cause of calcium kidney stones is excess calcium in the urine.
Food Sources of Potassium
You can get the various benefits of potassium by consuming different types of foods, such as apricots, raisins, potatoes, beans, oranges, soybeans, bananas, milk , spinach, chicken breast, yogurt, beef, tomatoes, broccoli, apples, cashews, black tea and eggs.
But be careful, don't get too much or too little of it in your potassium intake. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommends potassium intake of at least 4,700-5,300 mg per day.
Excessive potassium intake can trigger an abnormal heart rate, worsening kidney function, and serious infections. While a lack of potassium can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney problems.
Potassium is important for the body, but remember to keep your intake of other nutrients in balance and provide maximum benefit to the body. Don't hesitate to speak to a nutritionist about the benefits of potassium and how to get it optimally. .