Who would believe that Moringa oleifera has three (3) times as much potassium as in bananas? And that's exactly what Moringa oleifera has.
Potassium is an essential mineral micronutrient in human nutrition. It is the major cation (positively charged ion) inside cells and is important in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
Potassium is predominantly an intracellular cation that is important in neuron (brain and nerve) function. It is also important in allowing muscle contraction and the sending of nerve impulses.
Adequate intake of potassium can generally be achieved by eating a variety of foods containing potassium and although deficiency is generally rare in developed countries, it does occur in diets found in third world and developing countries.
It is good to consume sufficient potassium as diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension.
Potassium deficiency in body fluids may cause a condition known as hypokalemia (abnormally low level of potassium in the circulating blood leading to weakness and heart abnormalities; associated with adrenal tumors, starvation or taking diuretics) resuting from diarrhea, increased diuresis and vomiting. The symptoms include muscle weakness, paralytic ileus (blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel), ECG abnormalities, decreased reflex response and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis, alkalosis and cardiac arrhythmia.
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