Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the human body.  It is a powerful mineral in improving health and maintaining a high level of well-being.  One should not under estimate the importance of potassium.  Apart from acting as an electrolyte, potassium is good for keeping the heart, brain, kidney, muscle tissue, nervous system, and other important organ systems in good condition.

Potassium is an essential mineral.  Numerous benefits may prevent the following:

STROKE-  potassium plays an important role in brain function.  High levels of potassium allow more oxygen to reach the brain, thereby stimulating neural activity and increasing cognitive function.  Some potassium acts as a vasodilator, the blood vessels relax throughout the body, allowing blood to flow more freely, and less likely to clot and break off to cause a stroke.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR- low potassium levels may result in a drop in blood sugar, which cause a myriad of problems.  This is why diabetes patients are encouraged to keep their potassium levels normal, preventing unpredictable flucuations in their glucose and insulin levels.

MUSCLE DISORDERS- potassium plays an important role in regular muscle contractions.  Most of the body’s potassium is stored in muscle cells.  Potassium maintains optimal muscle and nereve function, and helps keep reflexes fast because it stimulates the neural connectivity of muscles and the brain.  Muscle cramps can be a common result of low levels of potassium.

BONE HEALTH- a study at ‘The Linus Pauling Institiute’ claims that a higher level of potassium results in a higher mineral density in bones, further strengthening and prolonging the life of bones.

BRAIN FUNCTION- potassium channels play a key role in maintaining the electrical conductivity of the brain, dramatically enhancing brain functions, like memory and learning.

BLOOD PRESSURE- the regulation of blood pressure by reversing the effects of sodium, is one of the most important functions of potassium.  As mentioned before, potassium has vasodilating properties, relieving the tension of blood vessels, thus lowering the pressure.

METABOLISM- potassium assists in the metabolic processing of fats and carbohydrates.  Studies show the potassium is also integral in the synthesis of proteins, which have an impact on tissue regeneration, cell growth, and an overall balanced metabolism.

ANXIETY/STRESS- potassium is a powerful stress reducer, regulating the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, excessive amounts of which can be quite detrimental to a wide array of the body’s biological systems.

Another of the main functions of potassium is regulating the transfer of nutrients through the cell membrane.  This has been shown to decrease with age, which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and weakness experienced by older people.  Tobacco and caffeine will also reduce potassium absorption.