There are many great reasons to add potassium to your diet. While potassium supplies a number of essential health benefits, many folks are still not consuming enough of this valuable mineral each day. This article will explore the many wonderful health benefits that potassium provides, as well as list some excellent food sources for this mineral. Have you had your potassium today? Read on and you will never skimp on this vital nutrient again.

Potassium Benefits

Potassium is an important mineral for a number of bodily functions. First and foremost, potassium may play a hand in keeping blood pressure at reasonable levels. If you have high blood pressure, potassium may help bring it down. If your pressure is at normal levels, this nutrient may reduce your risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) in the future. Potassium can also keep your heart healthy and strong, which can in turn keep your entire cardiovascular system plugging along in peak condition.

In addition to the cardiovascular benefits of potassium, studies show that this mineral may contribute to stronger, healthier muscles. It can also help your body store energy to use later, rather than converting it to fat. Potassium can reduce your risk of stroke by up to 40%, according to one study. It may also help the body reduce stress, and protect you against kidney disease and obesity. That’s a lot for a single mineral to do, so it’s no wonder that many doctors are recommending we add more potassium to our diets.

Potassium Sources

Yes, we need more potassium. So, where do we find it? While many go for a potassium supplement to ensure they get the recommended daily allowance, it is always better to get essential nutrients from the food we eat. The good news is that there are many delicious sources of calcium that can be found right in our refrigerator. Check out these potassium-rich foods:

• Sweet potato
• Baked potato, baked in the skin
• Raisins and sunflower seeds (trail mix, anyone?)
• Tomato products, such as paste and puree
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Cantaloupe and apricots
• Low-fat dairy products like milk and yogurt
• Soy beans, lima beans and lentils
• Prunes and prune juice
• Orange juice
• Almonds
• Fish such as salmon, halibut, clams and tuna

Many of the potassium rich foods contain other important nutrients as well. For example, spinach is an excellent source of iron, sweet potatoes contain vitamin A and orange juice provides a healthy portion of vitamin C. If you shop for the majority of your potassium in the local produce department, you won’t even need to read labels to make sure you’re getting your daily allowance.

New research continues to discover the benefits of getting sufficient potassium. If you can, try to get most of your mineral through your diet, with three to six potassium rich selections daily. If your diet isn’t serving up a sufficient amount, a supplement is always an option as well. Keep your heart, muscles and the rest of your body in top condition with a hefty serving of potassium every day.