Avocados are a potassium powerhouse. Avocados are one of the best sources of potassium in your diet. One avocado packs a whopping 708-760 milligrams of potassium which is about 15-18% of the recommended daily intake. Potassium is one of the five major minerals the human body needs to function optimally. The other four minerals are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium. According to UCLA Health, "experts estimate that most American adults don't get enough potassium each day."
Potassium is also known as Vitamin K even though Potassium is a mineral, not a vitamin. It is an essential nutrient that helps your body function properly. In fact, it's so essential for nearly every function in the human body. Since our bodies don't naturally produce minerals, it's vitally important to ensure we are getting the necessary minerals from our diet. While vitamins are organic substances, minerals are naturally-occurring inorganic substances. Potassium, sodium, and chloride are the three minerals that are electrolytes. One of the biggest benefits to getting the recommended daily intake of potassium is lower blood pressure and a healthier heart.
What does potassium do?
- Helps your heart beat regularly
- Helps your muscles contract
- Helps your nerves function
- Helps move nutrients and waste around your cells
- Helps your kidneys function properly
- Helps conduct electricity through your body
It always best to get minerals from whole foods rather than supplements as taking supplements can lead to mineral toxicity so it is more risky. When you get your minerals from real whole foods, you're much less likely to overload your body with minerals beyond the recommended daily intake as your body will naturally be satiated from eating real whole food.
The optimal potassium-to-sodium ratio is 4:1 or Four to One because the human body needs more potassium than sodium. To put this in perspective, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in dairy milk is in balance as the ratio is 1:1 or One to One which is very important for healthy bones and muscles. The average American consumes more sodium and less potassium than recommended. This upside down ratio is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.