Foods High in Potassium

Why to Eat Foods High in Potassium?
There are a variety of foods that provide high amount of potassium. Basically, potassium, a mineral salt plays an important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system. For a healthy muscle growth, this dietary mineral is a must. A well-balanced diet contains sufficient potassium to meet the body needs. People with high blood pressure are often advised to include potassium rich foods in their diet.

Deficiency of Potassium
Dietary intake deficient in potassium is a cause of great concern. Symptoms occurring due to potassium deficiency are rather unpleasant. Less potassium in the blood can lead to fatigue, hypokalemia and paralysis. The health problems that are linked with potassium deficiency are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weak Muscles
• Breathing problems

Foods Containing Potassium
People, low in potassium are often asked to include potassium in the diet. However, when potassium levels in the body are too high, the doctor may advice to limit the intake of potassium. Here are some foods that contain potassium.

• Natural plant foods have higher amount of potassium than many processed foods. This is because processing often reduces potassium levels in the blood. Potassium is abundantly found in the skin of various vegetables. So eating the skin of vegetables and fruits is an easy way to gain potassium. Potassium content also reduces when food is cooked in a large quantity of water.
• Bananas, prune juice and dried prunes are considered to be excellent sources of potassium.
• Cooked spinach and tomato products like sauce also contain high amount of potassium.
• All poultry products and fish such as salmon, cod and flounder are very rich in potassium.
• Foods such as potatoes are not only high in potassium but also in carbohydrates. The potassium content in potatoes is highest among other raw vegetables. Besides being a rich source of potassium, potatoes contain vitamin B6 and C, and is fat free. As a result, potatoes are often included in fat restricted diet.
• Brussels sprouts, lima beans and beets are some of the foods high in potassium.
• You can also include baked potatoes, chocolates, plain yogurt and raisins in your diet as they contain high levels of potassium.

Foods that are a decent source of potassium are orange juice, skimmed milk, dried apricots, cantaloupe and honeydew. Foods like carrots, grapefruit, cherries, onions and pineapple also contain moderate amount of potassium. Foods low in potassium are peanuts, pears, oranges, dry dates and avocados. People on a potassium-restricted diet can take these low potassium foods.

Intake of potassium supplements are not required if the daily diet is supplying adequate amount of potassium. Although foods high in potassium should be part of your diet, too much consumption of potassium at one time can cause health problems too. Potassium requirements can vary from person to person. People who exercise vigorously daily should have higher potassium content in their diet. Heavy fluid loss often associated with athletes also have higher potassium needs. Hence, these people also include potassium supplements in their diet. You can consult a health care provider to know the potassium count of your body. Accordingly, the doctor will decide your daily potassium intake.