Potassium is available in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables including, but not limited to, bananas. Bananas can be a good source of potassium and are considered one of America's favorite fruits. According to Chiquita, the average American eats over 27 pounds of bananas each year -- and bananas are often a baby's first solid food.
Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte that is used by every cell in the body. It is needed for making proteins and maintaining muscle function. In particular, potassium helps to keep the heart muscle beating regularly. When potassium levels are too low, this can lead to irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue and even paralysis. If potassium levels are too high, the kidneys can be overworked, which can lead to acute or even chronic kidney failure.
Potassium Recommendations
The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults over the age of 19 consume 4.7 g of potassium per day. Needs can vary slightly based on certain medical conditions, so discuss your potassium intake with a doctor to determine if you are meeting your daily needs.
Potassium in Bananas
Based on data obtained by the USDA, a medium banana contains 422 mg potassium. Unfortunately, one banana meets only 9 percent of your daily potassium needs. You would have to eat roughly 11 medium bananas to make up 4.7 g of potassium. Other foods high in potassium include baked potatoes, artichokes, dried beans and peas, tuna fish, chocolate milk, spinach and tomato sauce. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables each day can not only help meet your daily potassium needs, but also provides the body with other important vitamins and minerals.
Banana Nutrition Information
A medium banana contains 105 calories, 1.2 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 27 g carbohydrates and 3 g fiber. In addition to being a good source of potassium, bananas also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, and calcium.
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