Thursday, February 10, 2011

Potassium is an vital mineral needed for regulating the activity of muscles and nerves in the body. Muscle contraction and nerve transmission, the two most essential functions in the body are largely dependent on Potassium. It is also involved within the storage of carbohydrates (to be employed as fuel by the muscles) and in maintaining the electrolyte and pH balance inside the body.

Potassium deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, irritability, fatigue, chronic diarrhoea, confusion and heart disturbances. To stay away from such health problems, it is crucial to eat a diet rich in potassium. The good thing about this mineral is that it's obtainable in abundance in most fruits and vegetables, so you may effortlessly get your suggested every day dosage from a normal diet.

Let's take a look at the most effective Food Sources of Potassium:

-Bananas - Bananas are the most common and commonly obtainable source of Potassium. An average sized banana contains approx. 453 mg of potassium.

-Oranges - Recognized for their Vitamin C content, Oranges are also a rich source of Potassium.

-Sweet Potato - Sweet potatoes are a rich source of Potassium, Beta Carotene and Vitamin A. One average-sized sweet potato contains 694 mg of potassium, which is 15% of the suggested daily dosage. Nevertheless you must cook the potato with the skin, as peeling and dicing permits the potassium to leach out.

-Tomatoes - Tomato is truly a super food as it's a rich source of potassium, Vitamin E, and Lycopene. You are able to have them raw, diced, or within the pureed form. This tasty vegetable can add amazing flavour to all your recipes.

-Clams - Clams are a storehouse of powerful nutrients and minerals including Potassium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Iron and Protein. These are commonly found across the coastal sides of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The fat content in Clams in really low, making them an ideal food for health-conscious men and women.

-Raisins - This tiny dry fruit is packed with loads of nutrients and is a rich source of Potassium as well. Half a cup of raisins contains up to 543 mg of Potassium. Add them to your every day cereal, to sweets/cakes or just eat them raw. Be careful about the calorie content though!

-Yogurt - Recognized for its high calcium content, yoghurt is also a great source of potassium. Have a bowl of unsweetened yogurt everyday for its high nutritional content and for improved digestion.

Benefits of Potassium-Rich Foods

Eating a diet rich in potassium can support ward off a wide range of illnesses and maintain you healthy and fit. Some advantages of Potassium-rich diet are as follows:

-Assists in healthy functioning of the muscular and nervous system

-Regulates the Electrolyte and Acid-base balance within the body

-Enables transfer of nutrients at the cellular level

-Lowers the risk of Heart diseases

-Maintains healthy Blood Pressure Levels

-Prevents loss of calcium through the urine, thereby preserving bone health

-Reduces the risk of Osteoporosis

The recommended daily allowance for Potassium is 2 to 6 grams, and your daily diet should be able to meet this requirement. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (particularly the ones mentioned above) can quickly fulfil the potassium requirements of your body, and keep your body functioning in a healthy and efficient manner.

Author of Weight Loss Easy Program, also a certified nutritionist and personal trainer. Click to discover more tips about weight loss and diet.

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