Foods That Contain Potassium

Knowledge about which foods contain high and low amounts of potassium is important. People can lower their blood pressure by eating foods high in potassium and are susceptible to hypertension if their diet is low in potassium, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. However, people with kidney problems need to eat more low-potassium foods. Fortunately, there are many high- and low-potassium foods.

Foods with Potassium

Potassium is found most often in fresh foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. There are many high-potassium fruits and vegetables that help lower blood pressure, and many low-potassium fruits and vegetables that are beneficial to people with kidney problems.

Potassium is also found in meats, breads, pasta, rice and cheese. The mineral is generally not added to highly processed foods. That is one reason why people who eat a lot of canned foods loaded with sodium are more susceptible to high blood pressure.

High-Potassium Foods

Foods that have more than 200 mg of potassium per serving are considered high-potassium foods.

"The Well Adult" lists 16 high-potassium foods. They are apricots, bananas, beans, dates, figs, melons, mushrooms, oranges, peas, potatoes, prunes, raisins, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash. The Merck Manual lists bananas, tomatoes, oranges, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, kale, other green leafy vegetables and "most peas and beans."

"Potassium and Health" also lists several general foods as high-potassium foods, including bran, chocolate, granola, milk, molasses, nuts and seeds, peanut butter and yogurt.

Low-Potassium Foods

Foods that have fewer than 100 mg of potassium per serving are considered low-potassium foods. People with kidney problems should eat healthy low-potassium foods rather than no-potassium processed foods loaded with unhealthy sodium.

Fruits that are low-potassium foods include apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, grapefruit, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines and watermelons.

Vegetables that are low-potassium foods include asparagus, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, lettuce, onions, peppers and radishes. Bread, pasta and rice are also low-potassium foods.