Nutrition Articles

One of my doctor friends used to advise his patients, who were 40years plus, to label their containers of Salt (Sodium Chloride) and Sugar as ' POISON'. This is more pronounced in the cases of patients suffering from Diabetes and high blood pressure. On the other hand, increasing the itake of potassium does a lot of benefits to the human body system in all major functions. It is a mineral that is involved in both electrical and cellular functions in the body. It is essential to the smooth running of human body systems, just about all functions depending on Potassium to some extent.

Regulating the body's fluid levels is one of the mineral potassium's greatest functions. Not only that but it also has a great part in regulating the blood pressure. It also helps to keep the heart thumping steadily and regularly and is also essential to the nervous system. Potassium works to promote the proper functioning of the tissue that makes up the nervous system. It also serves to enhance muscle control plus the growth and health of cells particularly through its importance in waste product removal. This mineral is also vital to the kidneys in their waste removal tasks. Potassium also plays an important role to mental function as well as to physical processes. It helps to promote efficient cognitive functioning by playing a significant role in getting oxygen to the brain. Following are some salient points to note :

1. Increased intake of potassium lowers blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive people.
2. Increased Potassium and reducing Sodium help in lowering blood pressure.
3. High Potassium intake reduces the risk of strokes and prevents renal vascular, glomerular and tubular damages.
4. Potassium reduces urinary calcium excretion, creating poritive calcum balance, which in turn reduces risk of formation of kidney stones and helps prevent bone demineralization. This helps in higher bone mass and stops Osteoporosis, especially women.
5. It is important to note that Calcium excretion in the urine, causing complications of Osteoporosis and formation of kidney stones is directly linked with higher intake of Sodium.
6. Entry of Potassium in cells is impeded by insulin deficiency. High potassium intake is associated with a lower risk of developing type II diabetes. This inverse association is attenuated among obese people, especially in women.
7. Processed food loses Potassium completely., It is therefore advised to avoid processed food.

Potassium is rich in fresh fruit / fresh vegetables. A few of the fruit/ vegetables rich in Potassium are listed below.

Medium Potato -1 720 mg
Broccoli- 1 Stalk 540 mg
Banana 1 Medium 400 mg
Tomato 1 medium 368 mg

Besides, Watermelon, raisins, dates, spinach, yam, ham, beef and milk are rich in Potassium.

One of the Herbalife Nutritional Products, Shapeworks- Formula-1 comes with high protein and high Potassium contents, which goes well with anyone needing a wellness product.