Foods Rich in Potassium (Even more than a Banana) and Why You Want Them!
Anthony Gucciardi
Natural Society
Elizabeth Renter
NaturalSociety
October 1, 2012
If you know any endurance athletes or athletic people in general, you’ve likely seen them reach for bananas again and again. But do you know why? Bananas are seen as one of the most potent and convenient forms of potassium, leading to a boost in energy. Great for preventing muscle cramping and weakness, potassium acts as an extremely useful nutrient for those engaging in moderate or intense exercise. But potassium isn’t just for athletes; it’s crucial for everyone. And while you may reach for a banana, there are actually many other foods rich in potassium that outrank bananas!
Why You Should Eat Foods with Potassium
Potassium, along with sodium and chloride, is known as an electrolyte; that means potassium actually conducts electricity when dissolved in water. Pretty cool, huh? These electrolytes play an important role in nerve transmission—the body’s method of communicating. In addition potassium is important in muscle contraction, helping with both the degree and frequency of contractions. It can also lower your risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Potassium deficiency is rare, because the mineral is present in so many foods. However, signs of deficiency include: weakness, confusion, fatigue, heart problems, and diarrhea. Generally, adults should get around 4,700 mg of potassium each day. If you are an athlete or just extremely active, you should consume even more foods rich in potassium than the average person
So, where can you find it?
Foods Rich in Potassium
Containing about 422 mg of potassium, bananas are known as a great source for the nutrient. But there are many other foods rich in potassium that you may not know about. Some have twice or as much as three times the amount of potassium as bananas. Beet greens, for example have about 1,309 mg in a single cup. Potatoes, with the skin on, have more than 1,000 per medium-sized vegetable. Spinach is an excellent source with more than 800 mg per cup. Even an avocado has more potassium than an average banana: with around 540 per 3 ounce serving. Here are some other options:
- Raisins
- Dried figs
- Beans and legumes
- Brussels sprouts
- Soybeans
- Artichokes
- Sweet potatoes
- Chick peas
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin seeds
It shouldn’t be too hard to get enough potassium from natural food sources in any given day. The concentration of potassium is depleted in cooking, however, so eat what you can raw, and if you have to cook it, consider blanching or steaming.
Additional Sources:
2012-10-01 03:13:19
Source: http://naturalsociety.com/foods-rich-in-potassium-energy-nutrient/
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

You didn’t add the very important and critical piece of information that eating too much potassium can and will kill you. I’m not talking about 7,000 bananas an hour for 57 years. I mean just a few.