To reduce the risk of high blood pressure, including muscle building, the body needs to have enough potassium. Potassium is one of the essential minerals for the human body , according to a report on a food and nutrition website . It helps keep the muscles and nerves functioning. Maintains electrolyte and acid-base balance in the body. That reduces the risk of high blood pressure. Potassium Key Potassium , sodium and chloride combine to form the electrolyte family of minerals. It is called electrolyte because it generates electricity when it is immersed in water. Potassium is especially important for controlling muscle and nerve function. How fast and how fast our muscles can contract and stretch and how well our nerves can withstand stimuli both depend on the presence of adequate amounts of potassium in the body. Why Potassium is Needed Potassium deficiency impairs many functions. Potassium is required for the functioning of the nervous system that controls muscle. Muscles also need potassium to perform that task. Potassium also helps in maintaining fluid balance in the body , controlling blood pressure and storing carbohydrates. Potassium is also very important in maintaining the balance of electrolytes and acids in the body. It also helps to supply oxygen to the brain. It is good to know that potassium is soluble and can be dissolved in water during cooking. For example , boiled potatoes. Which loses half its potassium when boiled in water. To reduce potassium wastage, vegetables can be steamed , baked or fried in the microwave instead of boiled . Adequate amount of potassium can also be obtained by making soup or steaming vegetables without discarding boiled water.