Potassium is an important mineral that helps in many processes in your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it aids in muscle contraction, it is important for heart health and it also plays an important role in digestion. A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you get enough potassium.
Bananas
Bananas are usually the first food that comes to mind when you think of potassium. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that bananas are an excellent source of potassium, and one medium banana can provide you with 422 mg of the 2,000 mg recommended each day. In addition to potassium, bananas can also provide you with other important vitamins and minerals.
Sweet Potatoes
Packing even more potassium than bananas are sweet potatoes. One cup of baked sweet potato can give you 950 mg of potassium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Data Laboratory. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin A and vitamin C and can be prepared in many different ways. Dicing sweet potatoes and roasting them in the oven with olive oil and some spices or making oven-baked sweet potato fries can be tasty.
Broccoli
Another vegetable that is an excellent source of potassium is broccoli. The Ohio State University Medical Center reports that one serving of broccoli contains more than 400 mg of potassium. Broccoli also contains calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and other important nutrients that your body needs for good health. Adding more broccoli to your diet can give your body a potassium boost.
Salmon
Other foods besides fruits and vegetables can be good sources of potassium. A three-ounce portion of salmon contains approximately 534 mg of potassium, according to the USDA's Nutrient Data Laboratory. In addition to being high in potassium, salmon is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. The Harvard School of Public Health reports that omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fat that can improve your heart health.
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