Why is potassium necessary in the diet?

Answer 1

Potassium is an essential mineral that plays many biological roles. Here is a partial list of functions that potassium performs in the body:
Activation of critical enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, and in the conversion of glucose to glycogen.
Activation of enzymes in protein metabolism and synthesis.
Maintaining fluid balance and cellular integrity.
Nerve cell firing.
Muscle contraction.
Kidney function.
The secretion of insulin involves regulation of potassium flow in and out of cells.
Maintaining proper sodium/potassium balance prevents urinary loss of calcium, which may weaken bones and ultimately lead to osteoporosis.
Good sources of potassium include milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, oranges, grapefruits, bananas, honey, anchovies, and molasses. Anything that causes excessive fluid loss can lead to potassium depletion (for example, alcoholism, bulimia, or laxative abuse).

Answer 2

Potassium is an element (and an electrolyte) that's essential for the body's growth and maintenance. It's necessary to keep a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium also plays an essential role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the contraction of muscles. Cellular enzymes need potassium to work properly

Answer 3

Potassium is an electrolyte, which together with sodium and chloride, conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Why is this important and necessary? Electrolytes maintain "water balance and distribution, acid-base balance, muscle and nerve cell function, heart function, and kidney and adrenal function" (1). Potassium helps keep your body from becoming too acidic. Because the American diet is full of meat, dairy products, and other foods which cause an acidic reaction, American's bodies are too acidic to heal themselves. For instance, cancer cannot exist in organs or tissues whose pH is above 5.7. So you can see why it is important to make sure there is enough potassium to keep the pH more alkaline. The best place to get potassium is in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Answer 4

It is important for the heart and circulatory system.