The heart is the body's most important muscle, constantly pumping blood to deliver oxygen to every cell. But for this pump to work properly, a good diet and exercise alone are not enough.

There is a small but very important mineral, potassium, that plays a part in the "electrical" control of many of the body's activities. Experts say the heart cannot do its job properly without the right amount of potassium.

Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that helps balance electrical charges in the blood and cells. It is essential not only for the heart muscle but also for neurons, the kidneys and other muscles. It helps carry messages from the brain to the body and helps the body get rid of excess sodium, or salt, which is really important for controlling blood pressure.

• Helps control blood pressure: when the body has enough potassium, it helps relax the walls of blood vessels and removes excess sodium, lowering systolic blood pressure and helping reduce the risk of high blood pressure, or hypertension.
• Keeps the heartbeat regular: potassium helps keep the electrical signals of the heart muscle stable. Without it the heart may beat in an abnormal rhythm, or arrhythmia, which can even be fatal.
• Reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease: the World Health Organization and various studies have found that potassium-rich foods such as bananas, spinach and oranges lower blood pressure. A trial at the University of Copenhagen found a potassium-rich diet helped cut the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular disease by about 24%.

Potassium is easy to get from everyday food: fruits such as bananas, oranges and dates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, lentils and nuts, milk, yoghurt, fish and meat. These foods help prevent heart disease.

The US Department of Agriculture recommends 4,700 milligrams a day for potassium balance. But people with kidney problems should set the amount on a doctor's advice. Always tell a doctor before taking potassium supplements, because too much potassium can also be dangerous for the heart.

• Cut salt and eat more potassium-rich foods
• Eat fruit and vegetables every day
• Eat less processed food and more natural food

Potassium is not just a mineral; it is essential for protecting the heart's rhythm, blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

Sources cited in the report: WebMD, World Health Organization.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.