Sure, youve listened of potassium, though how good do we really know this mineral? Potassium plays a very important purpose in progressing good health, though it turns out that its a nutrient that many Americans regularly tumble reduced on. In fact, according to a study published in 2012, reduction than 2 percent of adults get a volume of potassium recommended by a Institute of Medicines Food as well as Nutrition Board. Those recommendations call for adults to devour 4,700 milligrams of potassium daily.The best food sources of potassium have been fruits as well as vegetables, as well as most Americans simply do not eat enough of them to get a potassium they need, says Alissa Rumsey, M.S., R.D., orator for a Academy of Nutrition as well as Dietetics. Potassium is an important electrolyte, as well as it works in partnership with sodium (also an electrolyte) to help regulate liquid balance, muscle contractions as well as haughtiness signals. Most people get too much sodium as well as not enough potassium, that can chuck off this balance, says Rumsey.Potassium helps keep red blood pressure levels under control, as well as given it plays a purpose in muscle contractions, its important for normal muscle as well as digestive function. So how can we increase your potassium intake? Focus on getting several servings of fruit as well as vegetables every day.If we need inspiration, here have been a little of a top sources of this important nutrient:Swiss chard 960 mg per cupLima beans 955 mg per cupSweet potato 950 mg per cupSpinach 838 mg per cupLentils 730 mg per cupAvocado 727 mg per cupTuna 597 mg per 4 ouncesSalmon 492 mg per 4 ouncesBroccoli 457 mg per cupCantaloupe 427 mg per cupAsparagus 403 mg per cupSally Wadyka is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist who writes about nutrition, illness as well as wellness.