What is Potassium?

Potassium is a mineral that helps muscles contract, regulate fluid and mineral balance in and out of the cells, and maintain normal blood pressure by limiting the effect of sodium. Potassium may help to reduce the risk of recurrent kidney stones and bone loss as we age. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans concluded that potassium is an under-consumed nutrient and is now considered a public health concern. This will require food manufacturers to include potassium content on the new Nutrition Facts label. Try including a variety of foods to help you meet your potassium needs for the day, as well as other important vitamins and minerals.

To meet your daily potassium goal, consider adding some of these foods to your menu on a regular basis:

• 1 medium baked potato with skin: 930 milligrams

• 1 cup cooked spinach: 840 milligrams

• ½ cup raisins: 618 milligrams

• 1 cup cooked broccoli: 460 milligrams

• 1 cup cubed cantaloupe: 430 milligrams

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes: 430 milligrams

• 1 medium banana: 420 milligrams

• 1 cup raw carrot slices: 390 milligrams

• 1 cup low-fat milk: 350 to 380 milligrams

• ½ cup cooked lentils: 365 milligrams

• 1 cup cooked quinoa: 320 milligrams

For more information, please visit:

https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/what-is-potassium