Which mineral is essential for maintaining heart rhythm and muscle contraction?

Potassium is crucial for maintaining heart rhythm and muscle contraction because it plays a key role in generating electrical impulses in the body. This mineral helps to regulate fluid balance, transmit nerve signals, and contract muscles, including the heart muscles. Proper levels of potassium ensure that the heartbeat remains consistent and effective, as it is involved in the depolarization and repolarization of cardiac cells, which is essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.

Additionally, potassium helps balance the effects of sodium, which can contribute to blood pressure regulation. An adequate intake of potassium can help prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, its vital role in muscle function, especially in the heart, and its influence on electrical activity make potassium an essential mineral for these physiological processes.