Why tennis players eat bananas during breaks in their matches?

What is potassium? Properties and uses

Potassium is a chemical element linked to sports practice and the prevention of muscle cramps. In fact, it is no coincidence that tennis players eat bananas during breaks in their matches.

What is potassium?

Potassium is a chemical element present in the periodic table with the symbol K and the atomic number 19. Its name comes from the English words “pot ashes”, which in Spanish translates as “pot ashes”. This significance suggests that potassium could be extracted for the first time from the ashes of land plants, which are rich in potassium hydroxide.

In case you decide to look for it in the periodic table, you will find it in group 1 and period 4, being part of the alkali metals.

Potassium properties

Potassium is a malleable, low-density metal with a shiny silver color. One of the most notable aspects of potassium is its rapid oxidation. When this element comes into contact with dry air, it transforms into potassium peroxide, losing its characteristic shine.

On the other hand, if potassium is in a humid environment or if it directly comes into contact with water, potassium generates an exothermic reaction, producing potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This transformation is very aggressive and can sometimes even cause explosions. Because of these properties, potassium must be stored under a controlled atmosphere.

Potassium Curiosities

Did you know that potassium was the first metal isolated in pure form through electrolysis? This process uses electrical current in a solution containing potassium hydroxide to separate oxygen and hydrogen molecules from metallic potassium. After potassium, other metals such as sodium and magnesium were also isolated using this method.

Potassium, radioactivity and… bananas

Although twenty-six isotopes of potassium have been discovered, only two of them are stable: 39 K and 41 K. In addition to these two, the 40 K isotope is the most abundant in nature. With a half-life of more than one billion years, it is the most stable radioactive potassium isotope. Since bananas are a potassium-rich food, they contain a small amount of 40K. However, the radiation dose is minuscule.

This radioactive characteristic of bananas has led to the creation of a non-academic unit of radiation measurement called “Banana Equivalent Dose.” The objective of this unit is to demonstrate that the irradiation to which you are exposed by consuming or being in contact with a banana is negligible.

Potassium: where is it found?

Now that you know what potassium is and the most notable properties of this chemical element, it is important to highlight that potassium is the seventh most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, followed by sodium and magnesium. It represents approximately 2.59% of the total weight of the Earth’s crust.

You may be wondering how it is possible to have so much potassium if it needs specific conditions for storage. The explanation lies in its nature, since potassium is not found in its pure form, but rather combined in various minerals. Additionally, potassium is also abundant in the oceans, with a concentration of approximately 387 parts per million.

What is potassium good for?

Potassium is a trace element essential for life, which means that, despite representing only 0.4% of our body, its presence is crucial for the functioning of the human body. Next, we will explore the effects of potassium on health and the environment.

Effects of potassium on health

Knowing that potassium is a vital chemical element for our body, you will sense that such important aspects as muscle contraction, the regulation of fluids in our body or the nervous system depend on it.

Potassium and electrolytes

Additionally, as we saw at the beginning of the article, potassium helps prevent muscle cramps. The reason is electrolytes, a series of electrically charged minerals that influence the nervous system and muscles. When doing sports, we lose electrolytes through sweat and perspiration. Its loss combined with dehydration can end up generating cramps.

For this reason, replenishing electrolytes is helpful to prevent cramps. Some of the main electrolytes are sodium, magnesium, calcium, and of course potassium. That is why an adequate intake of potassium helps maintain water balance and a stable level of blood pressure, in addition to facilitating nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

Foods rich in potassium

There are many foods rich in potassium, one of the best known being plantains and bananas. However, white beans are actually one of the foods that contain the highest amount of this chemical element.

Regarding the balance of potassium in our body, deficiency is more common than excess. Lack of potassium, known as hypokalemia, can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and muscle twitches. On the other hand, an excess of potassium in the body is called hyperkalemia and can also have serious consequences for health.

Effects of potassium on the environment

Potassium is not only crucial for humans, it is also essential for plants. This mineral plays a vital role in regulating osmosis in plants, as well as controlling stomatal temperature.

The amount of potassium plants need can vary depending on soil type. This is why it is often supplemented with specific fertilizers to ensure optimal growth.

As you have seen throughout the article, the properties of potassium make it a vital element for the functioning of our body, which makes the consumption of foods rich in potassium essential.