Potassium Nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula KNO3. It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrate ions NO3−, and is therefore an alkali metal nitrate.
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Uses
- Major uses of potassium nitrate are in fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants and fireworks. It is one of the major constituents of gunpowder (black powder) and has been used since the Middle Ages as a food preservative.
Benefits
- Researchers have discovered the potential of potassium nitrate as a medicine. If taken under medical supervision in small dosages, medical potassium supplements are known to lower blood pressure. Medical Education Online reports that “potassium supplements, 40-80 mEq/day, lower blood pressure, an effect that is largely lost in patients who are also on a low sodium diet.”
Cautions
- Potassium nitrate allegedly has been known to weaken male libido. With age, your libido decreases, affecting your sex life. People take supplements to rejuvenate their sex drives. Some substances known for decreasing sexual arousal are given to sex offenders. According to Science Encyclopedia, “it is claimed that when ingested, saltpeter (potassium nitrate) has a … sexual-desire-reducing effect.” If taken in large doses, it can be fatal.
Interactions
- Not known.
Other names
- Saltpeter, Saltpetre, Nitrate of potash
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_nitrate
LiveStrong, https://www.livestrong.com/article/104152-potassium-nitrate/