High Potassium Foods - List of Foods High in Potassium

High potassium foods are very essential for a healthy heart and as a result, a fit body. To help with sources of this important nutrient, here is a list of foods high in potassium.
Potassium is a mineral that is very important for healthy body functions. One of the interesting facts about potassium is that it is not stored in the body as other minerals are; hence, the body is constantly in need of a daily dose of potassium. Potassium is very important for a healthy body cell structure. Low potassium levels can result in a condition called Hypokalemia, stomach disturbance, heart palpitations, and many other significant changes in proper body functioning.

According to the 'Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences', a person who is above 18 years of age must consume at least 2000mg of potassium rich foods. This means, one must at least have one high and one medium potassium rich food at each meal. Here are the normal potassium levels in humans:
  • Low potassium = less than 3.5 mmol/L
  • Normal potassium = 3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L
  • High potassium = 5.0 - 6.0 mmol/L
  • Very high potassium = more than 6.0 mmol/L
High intake of potassium enriched foods benefits the body in numerous ways. High potassium foods are very beneficial for all human beings, except for those who are suffering from any kind of kidney disease. Potassium is very beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure. It regulates blood pressure levels ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease (if any). One must have enough amount of potassium rich foods in one's daily diet. You can even resort to potassium rich snacks to maintain body potassium levels. Whether you're suffering from potassium deficiency or not, you need to know which are the high potassium foods to incorporate in your diet so that you can maintain a healthy body. Let's get to know which are the high potassium foods and drinks that we can consume in order to stay fit and healthy.

Top 10 Potassium Rich Foods
If you are wondering what the potassium enriched foods are, take a look at this list of top 10 potassium rich foods.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Avocado 540mg
Cantaloupe 494mg
Tomatoes 427mg
Crimini Mushrooms 390mg
Swiss Chard 364mg
Spinach 839mg
Broccoli 456mg
Celery 263mg
Romaine Lettuce 232mg
Collard Greens 220mg

List of Vegetables High in Potassium
Here is a list of potassium rich vegetables. A bowl full of any of the vegetables listed contains the given amount of potassium in mg.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Artichokes 595mg
Beetroot 1309mg
Brussels Sprouts 504mg
Carrots 354mg
kohlrabi 450mg
Parsnips 573mg
Black-eyed Peas 690mg
Potatoes 1081mg
Pumpkin 564mg
Rapini 392mg
Salisfy 526mg
Soybeans 886mg
Winter Squash 896mg
Sweet Potato 508mg
Tofu 432mg
Water chestnuts 720mg
Yam 735mg

List of Ethnic Vegetables High in Potassium
Here is a list of potassium rich ethnic vegetables.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Amaranth 353mg
Bamboo 640mg
Bitter Melon 934mg
Bok Choy 528mg
Cassava 360mg
Choy Sum 456mg
Chinese Radish 970mg
Fennel 828mg
Lotus Root 726mg
Mustard Green 1396mg
Pak Choi 504mg
Chinese Cabbage 475mg
Taro Root 591mg

List of Fruits High in Potassium
Here is a list of potassium rich fruits. The number given in the brackets represents the quantity of fruit that cannot be counted in equal measures.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Apricot (3) 814mg
Banana (1) 467mg
Coconut Milk 497mg
Currants 892mg
Dates (5) 542mg
Fig (2) 542mg
Guava (1) 580mg
Honeydew (¼) 404mg
Kiwi 256mg
Nectarine (1) 460mg
Orange (1) 237mg
Papaya (1/3) 781mg
Passion Fruit 934mg
Persimmon (1) 540mg
Plantain 893mg
Pomegranate (1) 678mg
Prune 707mg
Raisins 544mg
Plum (2) 520mg
Tangelo (1) 220mg

List of Meat and Fish High in Potassium
Here is a list of potassium rich meat and fish.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Beef 262mg
Chicken 220mg
Pork 358mg
Turkey 301mg
Clams 534mg
Cod 439mg
Halibut 490mg
Salmon 319mg
Trout 375mg
Tuna 484mg

Miscellaneous Foods High in Potassium
Here is a miscellaneous list of potassium rich foods.

Food Item Potassium Level (in mg)
Cashews 812mg
Pistachios 1331mg
Adzuki Beans Milk 612mg
Great Northern Beans 692mg
Navy Beans 670mg
Goat Milk 498mg
Eggnog 410mg
Plain Yogurt 625mg
Buckwheat 782mg
Quinoa 1258mg
Wheat Germ 1080mg
Wholemeal Pasta 800mg
Milk 407mg
Mango 323mg
Pinto Beans 800mg
Molasses 498mg
Kidney Beans 531mg
White Beans 1309mg
Lentils 731mg
Jerusalem Artichokes 644mg

Only having the appropriate knowledge of the food products high in potassium is obviously not enough; take the effort to consume them in the right amounts as well. Apple cider vinegar is a great source of potassium that you can try to introduce into your diet. Many a time, foods tend to lose their potassium content through incorrect cooking techniques, and overcooking certain foods high in potassium. Hence, one must never overcook vegetables, and you must try to eat as many raw fruits and green vegetables as possible. This way you will definitely get the required amount of potassium. This list of foods high in potassium covers almost all the food products that are quite commonly available, hence you should not have a problem acquiring them at pretty budget-able rates.
By
Last Updated: 2/20/2012
Like This Article?
Follow:
Post Comment | View Comments
Your Comments:
Your Name: