Potassium Content in Cooked Oats: What You Need to Know

Question
I see in some articles on the subject of oats that in their dry form they have a good amount of potassium. Can you tell me if that potassium is lost in the cooking of them? And if there is potassium in cooked oats, how much? Thank you

Answer
Hi Ann!  Potassium can be lost in foods through cooking.  In fact, there is a process called "leaching" which can be used so persons on low-potassium diets can eat foods high in potassium, including potatoes.  According to food labels, dry oats are much higher in potassium than cooked.  Typically, a serving of dry oatmeal (1 oz) contains 320-385mg potassium and a serving of cooked oatmeal (1/2 cup) contains 100-130mg potassium.  I hope that helps!