Orange roughy, also known as "slimehead," is one of the deep sea species of perch. Fishermen trawl for the edible fish off the northeast coast of the United States, as well as off the coasts of Australia, New Zealand and Africa. While it contains high amounts of protein and the important mineral selenium, it is not as rich in potassium as other some other fish species.
Potassium in Orange Roughy
As a food source of potassium, orange roughy swims at the back of the pack compared to other fish. Orange roughy contributes about 154 mg of potassium per 3-oz. serving, or 4 percent of the recommended daily amount, or RDA, of potassium.
Potassium in Other Fish
The same serving size of cod, halibut and yellowfin tuna yield about 448 mg potassium each, or 12 percent of the RDA of the mineral. Of the fish listed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient database of potassium food sources, only smoked salmon and pickled herring yielded less potassium per 3 oz. serving.
Importance of Potassium
Potassium, one of the major food nutrients, maintains proper muscle and nerve function and electrolyte balance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC notes that consuming too much sodium can cause potassium deficiencies, as can aging or developing conditions that interfere with proper nutrient absorption. Muscle cramps and weakness may indicate a potassium deficiency.
Additional Nutritional Information
A 3 oz. serving of orange roughy offers more than a day's supply of the mineral selenium. The fish is also under 100 calories and low in fat and sodium. At 19 g protein and 0 g carbohydrates, orange roughy represents a good protein source for those watching their carbs. On the negative side, at 68 mg dietary cholesterol, orange roughy takes up almost a quarter of your recommended amount of cholesterol for the day. Most important, orange roughy contains high levels of mercury.
Other High-Potassium Foods
The nonprofit website World's Healthiest Foods lists several foods offering at least 10 percent RDA of potassium. Along with scallops, cod, halibut and yellowfin tuna, these potassium powerhouses include Swiss chard, spinach, crimini mushrooms, broccoli, fennel, winter squash, tomatoes, collard greens, green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, papaya, yams, bananas, potatoes, avocados, milk, pinto beans, lentils, kidney beans, soybeans and split peas.
Concerns
According to Monterey Bay Aquarium, orange roughy is high in mercury. The fish is also listed as an overhunted species. Some environmental groups object to the trawling methods of hunting orange roughy because it damages the sea floor and other sea creatures. The aquarium suggests ordering other species, such as Pacific halibut or tilapia, from restaurants or fish markets.
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