Potassium is an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys, cardiovascular system, digestion, muscular contractions and the skeletal system. Potassium can be found in fruits and vegetables as well as in members of the legume family. Insufficient amounts of potassium in the body can produce unhealthy side effects, but the right amount can help keep the body's systems running smoothly.
Potatoes, Beet Greens and White Beans
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the foods that contain the highest amounts of potassium are potatoes, which contain 1,081mg per cup, and white beans, which contain 1,189mg per cup. Beet greens contain a whopping 1,309mg of potassium for every cup ingested.
Vegetables
Vegetables and the remaining members of the legume family, such as baked beans, kidney beans, refried beans, lima beans, soybeans, black-eyed peas and lentils, also yield high amounts of potassium per cup. World Class Medicine notes that the vegetables containing high amounts of potassium are leafy greens, broccoli, mushroom, tomatoes, pumpkin, artichokes and bamboo shoots.
Fruits
According to Colorado State University, fruits also provide a healthy dose of potassium to the body when they are eaten. In fact, dried apricots are high in potassium and so are raisins. Avocados, bananas, dates, watermelon, figs, kiwi, melons and oranges are also good sources.
Fish, Meat and Dairy
Some people may not realize that their favorite meats, dairy foods and fish also contain potassium. Clams and other members of the mollusk group are high in potassium, followed by the yogurts of the dairy group and pork from the meat group. Runners-up are tuna, cod, salmon, trout and halibut, followed by chicken, beef and non-fat milk.
Member Comments