Stay Healthy by Eating These Potassium-Rich Foods

by Vicki Batts, Natural News:

Do you get enough potassium in your diet? The overwhelming majority of American citizens fail to get enough of this valuable nutrient on a daily basis. In fact, some estimates indicate that 98 percent of people in the United States aren’t getting enough potassium from the food they eat, thanks to the infamous average American diet.

Less than 2 percent of the population is getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 4,700 milligrams of potassium each day. Most people in the US are potassium deficient purely because they do not eat enough plants; this comes as no surprise in the fast food nation, but it is still quite worrisome. Potassium is an essential nutrient that is needed for a variety of cellular processes, maintaining electrolyte balance, and is imperative to the function of important organs like your heart and kidneys. [RELATED: Keep up with the latest nutrition headlines at Fresh.news]

Simply put, potassium is a vital nutrient that most of us aren’t getting enough of for ideal health. So, what can you do to help boost your intake of this essential mineral? Here are six potassium-rich foods that you can eat to help you meet your body’s potassium needs:

1. Avocado

One whole avocado contains an average of 1,068 milligrams of potassium. A 50-gram serving of this delectable fruit provides about 254 milligrams, or six percent of your daily potassium needs. Avocados also boast many other health benefits, like being rich in healthy fats and fiber.

2. Spinach

A one-cup serving of spinach can provide you with approximately 824 milligrams of potassium; this equates to about 24 percent of the RDA. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is also quite low in calories. A one-cup serving is only 41 calories, making it an ideal choice for anyone watching their energy intake.

3. Sweet Potato

In just one medium-sized sweet potato, you will find about 952 milligrams of potassium, reeling in about 27 percent of your daily potassium needs. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of fiber and vitamin A. A simple baked sweet potato topped with some fresh herbs is a great way to serve up this tasty tuber.

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