Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that originates in the soil and cannot be created by living things. Plants absorb minerals from the soil, and animals get their minerals from the plants or other animals that they eat. Potassium assists in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and in maintaining fluid, electrolyte and acid base balance in body cells. Potassium is also important in maintaining normal heart function and sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism. Bananas are probably the best-known dietary sources of potassium, but other foods rich in potassium include citrus fruits, broccoli, green beans, peas, green peppers, spinach, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, yogurt, eggs, salmon, rice, natural peanut butter and nuts.