Potassium is a mineral that plays an important role as an electrolyte in regulating the fluids in your body, both at the cellular level and through elimination. Every body system is affected by your body’s fluids, including digestion, bowel and kidney function, and your cardiovascular system. The correct balance between sodium, magnesium and potassium helps regulate your blood pressure and can reduce your risk of a stroke.
Need for Potassium
Many medications, especially diuretics, or water pills, eliminate potassium through your urine, and you can also lose significant amounts of potassium through perspiration. Eating melons and other foods high in the mineral can replenish levels and restore balance. Because the regulation of sodium, magnesium and potassium is closely associated with kidney function, those with kidney problems may need to reduce potassium intake. Careful diet can also help you reduce your potassium intake if necessary to help achieve a balance. Always follow your doctor’s advice and recommended dietary guidelines.
Melons
Enjoy your favorite melon to increase your intake of potassium. Cantaloupe contains the most potassium of common melons with 494 mg per 1-cup serving. Honeydew is close with 461 mg per cup. Watermelon contains 176 mg per cup. If you eat a large slice of watermelon, you probably eat more than a cup, so use the serving sizes as a convenient comparison tool.
Other Causes of Deficiency
If you suffer from certain diseases such as Crohn’s, or if you have been ill with vomiting or diarrhea, you may have depleted potassium levels. Eating melon not only replaces potassium, it provides fiber as a bulking agent and liquid if you are dehydrated.
Add to Diet
Don’t limit yourself to eating only plain melon chunks or melon balls. Use diced cantaloupe to make fresh chutney that includes diced avocado and sweet onion, or use honeydew in a fruit smoothie. Use melon in mixed fruit salad, or freeze chunks to enjoy as an ice cold treat on a hot day.
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