What Does Potassium-Rich Foods Do for Your Body?

Muscle contraction and heart regulation are essential in keeping us 'literally' alive. And thanks to potassium and potassium-rich foods, it will help maintain these factors at an optimal level to keep our heart beating. Potassium levels that are too high or too low may cause problems that can negatively affect the heartbeat, leading to difficulties in blood flow circulation.

Potassium releases insulin, a type of hormone responsible for managing glucose (sugar) in your body. The more potassium your body has, the better the insulin can manage your body's glucose levels from the foods you eat.

We connected the first benefit to this one. Since our nervous system is responsible for relaying messages between the brain and our actions, they are why we act in a certain way involving our body. That includes essential body functions, reflexes, as well as muscle contraction and heartbeat regulation.

Having enough potassium helps our nervous system communicate with our bodies' actions. A lack of potassium will make our nervous system incapable of making the nerve impulses that our body needs. That’s why it’s necessary to regularly check our potassium levels and incorporate potassium-rich foods into our diets.

Although calcium may take the place of this one, a study shows that potassium also plays a vital role in bone health. According to this study, potassium helps prevent too much calcium loss, thus making potassium a viable mineral that can work in synergy with calcium.

Since potassium is also a kind of electrolyte, as mentioned earlier, it helps our body's hydration levels at a normal state. So, if you're a physically active person, do not bring only water or energy drinks on the field, but also potassium-rich foods.

First things first, the most obvious one in the room is the banana. A single banana contains 422 mg of potassium, which is already A LOT. It is the perfect potassium-rich fruit to add to your meals or snacks. However, bananas are one of many that contain high amounts of potassium. Please take a look at the following foods that we will explain below.

A medium serving of potato provides 926 mg of potassium. Potatoes are one of the many potassium-rich foods that also offer a good source of energizing vitamins B1, B3, and B6, benefiting our bodies. Not to mention, potatoes are also low in calories and cholesterol as well.

Summer is coming, and it's time and time again to indulge in watermelons. Two (2) wedges contain 640 mg of potassium, which is also obvious as well since watermelons are 92% water.

Some people tend to avoid raisins as if their life will end because of it. But kidding aside, a half cup of potassium-rich raisins contains 680 mg of potassium, making them a perfect addition to desserts, vegetable salads, and home-cooked meals.

Fancy making natural orange juice? Or dare I say, “potassium-rich Orange juice?” Then, great news because 8 ounces of it contain 450 mg of potassium. If you're still chugging on carbonated sodas, it's time to say goodbye to them and make orange juice the new king for a healthier you!