Interesting Facts On PotassiumInteresting Facts On Potassium Potassium that can be found in plant cells, is an element important to humans, animals and of course to plants. Apart from promoting the physical and mental processes, potassium helps the human body stay stable. Let us have a look at the unique advantages of having the right balance of potassium in our body. 1-Potassium helps transit adequate amount of oxygen to the brain. Because of that it facilitates cognitive functioning of our nervous system. 2-Potassium maintains normal blood pressure, and the normal required fluid levels. 3-Medical science also states that potassium has a very important role in keeping the heart and many of our tissues functioning properly. 4-Potassium enhances control over the muscles and over proper growth of the cells. 5-Potassium lowers the risk of stones in the kidney by controlling the calcium excretion in urine and thus helping the kidneys in their processes. 6-Since potassium controls the flow-out of calcium, it is also responsible for healthy bones. 7-Last but not the least, one major role of potassium is to maintain a balanced PH level in the body. Interesting facts on potassium: The CORRECT AMOUNT – The National Academy of Sciences, Denver, states that 3500mg – 4700mg is the minima-maxima of the daily potassium requirement of the human body. It should be kept in mind that both excess and deficient amounts of potassium in the body are dreadful conditions. So, to keep a balanced amount of potassium in our body, it is advisable to keep an eye for this element in our daily nutrition. But it is not very hard to find foods containing potassium though. As you can see below potassium can be found in many foods. Eatable/dietary sources of potassium: citrus fruits, bananas, nuts, avocados, tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes, spinach and other green veggies and also beans and soy. Non veggie sources would be sea food and meat. Some interesting facts on potassium: • Deficiency of potassium in our body leads to HYPOKALEMIA, which is a condition of kidney failure and intestinal paralysis. The patient also experiences severe muscle cramps. • Diets rich in potassium reduce hypertension, and therefore reduces the risks of stroke. • It is a soft and very reactive metal, which is ductile, malleable and a good conductor of electricity. It is soft enough to be cut with a knife. • Potassium is the seventh most abundant metal on earth. • The earliest use of this metal was in the manufacture of soaps. • Potassium is also used in making medicinal supplements. • People who are medically advised to lower the intake of common salt, can take potassium chloride salt as a harmless supplement. • Potassium burns with a blue flame. • It is the second lightest metal after lithium. • Potassium nitrate is used in manufacture of gun powder, fire works, and many other chemicals. • Potassium was the first metal to be isolated by electrolysis. • A large potassium mine exists in Saskatchewan 3000 feet below the surface, it has been actively mining for 48 years, and there is still plenty left to mine. The mine is called "The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan". More interesting facts on potassium: POTASSIUM is a highly explosive alkali metal, which is not freely available in nature. The name comes from “potash” which means the ashes of burnt wood/leaves. The scientific symbol of this element is “K” which comes from potassium’s Latin name – Kalium. History – potassium was discovered by Humphrey Davy in 1807. Occurrence – This metal is normally found in sea water, plant cells and in mines particularly in US, Germany and Mexico. Physical properties Uses of potassium: soaps, gun powder, fertilizers, glass, substitute for common salt, detergents and photography chemicals.
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