Instant tea does contain potassium, but only an extremely small amount. However, you need substantial amounts of potassium in your diet in order to maintain healthy nerves and muscles. Fruits and vegetables are much better sources of potassium.
Instant Tea
Instant tea can be made as strong or as weak as you like, but a standard serving size is a 1 tsp scoop. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, one scoop contains 42 mg of potassium, which is less than one-tenth of what a typical person needs each day. However, while instant tea is not a good source of potassium, it is a low-calorie drink, with just 2 calories in each serving. It also has traces of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese.
Potassium
Your body needs potassium to work correctly. Potassium is particularly important for proper cellular function, especially to help the cells in your muscles and heart contract correctly and to help send signals via your nervous system. A deficiency in potassium, called hypokalemia, can lead to muscle weakness and cramping, fatigue and heart arrhythmias. In severe cases, it can result in muscle paralysis that can stop your heart and lead to death.
Amounts
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, you need to get 4,700 mg -- or 4.7 g -- of potassium every day. If you are experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea, excessive sweating or low magnesium levels, you may need to get more potassium. Since hypokalemia can be caused by dehydration, drinking instant tea to stay hydrated can help prevent a drop in your potassium levels, but it will not supply enough potassium to replenish your supply.
Sources
Fortunately, potassium is abundant in a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Bananas are famous for their potassium content, with 422 mg in a medium banana. Potatoes with their skin can also provide you with almost one-fourth of your daily intake -- 926 mg in a medium potato. Other good sources include citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, raisins, lima beans, squash, spinach and artichokes. You can also supplement your intake with a multivitamin.
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