Potassium Rich Foods

Most people who eat a balanced, healthy diet should have adequate potassium levels in their bodies naturally. However, we all know that most people do not eat a balanced diet and eat too many processed foods and not enough whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The result is that many people have lower than normal levels of potassium in their bodies.

Low potassium levels can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, as well as digestive disorders. You may be at risk if you have a high pressure job, smoke, use alcohol or drugs, are an athlete, or use certain diuretics and other prescription drugs.

We are back to the simple fact that eating a well balanced diet, rich in assorted fresh fruits and vegetables, can help fuel the body with the necessary nutrients to keep us performing at optimum levels. Choosing organic and locally grown produce will also keep our bodies free from unwanted and harmful chemicals. The less processed and prepackaged food we eat, the less apt we are to be deficient in the necessary vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function.

Here is a list of some foods high in potassium and their potassium content from the USDA National Nutrient Database:

Potassium Rich Foods	Weight	Measure	Potassium Content
Raw, baby carrots	10	1 medium	24 mg
Raw Lettuce	10	1 leaf	19 mg
Raw Onions	14	1 slice	20 mg
Fresh Strawberries	12	1 strawberry	18 mg
Raw Garlic	3	1 clove	12 mg
Honey	21	1 tablespoon	11 mg
Raw Radishes	4.5	1 radish	10 mg
Raw Peppers	10	1 ring	18 mg
White Bread	23	1 slice	17 mg
Papayas	304	1 papaya	781 mg
Lima Beans	188	1 cup	955 mg
Plantains	179	1 medium	893 mg
Jerusalem Artichokes	150	1 cup	644 mg
Bananas	118	1 banana	422 mg
Oat Bran	94	1 cup	532 mg
Tomatoes	255	1 cup	528 mg
Cucumber	301	1 large	442 mg
Cantaloupe	160	1 cup	427 mg
Pears	275	1 pear	333 mg
Mangoes	207	1 mango	323 mg

Keep in mind that cooking, such as boiling, can destroy the potassium levels in some of these foods.