Potassium is one of the most important minerals that your body needs. You can either get it from supplements or naturally from foods — like fresh fruit and vegetables. Getting enough is crucial for overall body health.
Potassium deficiency is linked to muscles being weak, cramping, twitching, or even you becoming paralyzed.
WHY YOU NEED POTASSIUM
You need potassium because it helps your heartbeat stay regular. It also helps regulate fluid balances, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. Potassium may also help reduce high blood pressure.
FOODS HIGH IN POTASSIUM
- Bananas, melons such as cantaloupe and honeydew, oranges (dried fruits like dates and raisins are also rich in potassium).
- Spinach, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, mushrooms, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, and other leafy green vegetables.
- Juice from potassium-rich fruits.
- Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt are good sources of potassium (but feel free to choose low-fat or fat-free).
- Certain types of fish, such as tuna, halibut, cod, trout, and rockfish.
- Certain types of beans, such as lima, pinto, kidney, soybeans, and lentils.
- Meat and poultry.
- Bran cereal.
- Nuts.
- Whole-wheat bread and pasta.
HOW MUCH POTASSIUM DO YOU NEED?
On a daily basis, you should aim to get 4,700 mg (4.7 g) of potassium.
Summary: Potassium is an important mineral that your body needs. You should be able to obtain it either naturally from foods or from supplements.
