Re: POTASSIUM IN APPLES IS CALLED A METAL?

Dear Carolyn,

Let's start by saying that yes indeed potassium is classified as a metal 
or as an alkaline metal.  Potassium is a soft to the touch gray metal when 
in its pure form.  It is commonly found in nature as salts, similar to 
table salt.  In fact you may have a hard time distinguishing table salt 
(sodium chloride)from potassium chloride.  Potassium is a member of the 
same familiy of metals that sodium belongs to.  If you can imagine that 
some fruits may contain a bit of salt (sodium chloride) it is possible 
then to imagine that some fruits such as apples, may contain potassium.  
Fruits such as bananas contain lots of potassium.

The way a person can "eat a metal" is if the metal is previously 
dissolved.  In the case of potassium, it would be dissolved in the liquids 
present in the apple or it may be attached to other molecules in the 
fruit.  When you run on a hot sunny day, you will notice that you sweat, 
the sweat contains sodium chloride as well as some potassium chloride.  
So, it would be a good idea to eat an apple and lots of water after and or 
before a run, better yet have a banana and water.

Also remember next time ou go to the beach, that in fact you are swiming 
in solution of metals among other things!

hope this asnwers you question