What is potassium? It is a mineral available in many foods that is very essential for a balanced diet. Include foods that are high in potassium in your regular diet & feel the difference. Read on to know more.
Potassium plays a vital role in regulating the fluid levels in the body, aids in muscular function and also helps in waste removal from the body.
For people who suffer from hypertension, the intake of potassium can help in reducing the blood-pressure levels, thereby reducing the chances of strokes and heart-attacks.
Foods That Are Rich In Potassium
Regular and proper intake of potassium keeps the blood-pressure normal.
Based on your health condition, you need to consume foods containing potassium. There are certain medicines and diuretics that tend to remove the potassium in the body.
In such cases, you need to consume foods that are high in potassium. Also, if you have low blood pressure, foods that are high in potassium will help you.
However, people who are suffering from kidney problems must reduce the potassium intake.
Do remember that if the potassium content in your body becomes too high, it can lead to irregular heartbeat or heart-attacks.
Thereby always a balanced diet is advisable. Make sure you eat a variety of foods, all at moderate levels.
This article helps you understand the foods that are high in potassium.
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Bananas
Bananas are easily available and inexpensive fruits, but rich sources of energy. Bananas are considered the best foods that are high in potassium, fibre, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
They make a healthy and tasty snack. It is advisable for athletes to consume bananas in place of sports drinks.
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Potatoes
All varieties of potatoes, red, white and sweet ones are great foods containing potassium. They are also rich sources of iron, fibre, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
To make it healthy, it is advisable to bake your potatoes rather than frying them.
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Dried Fruits
Dried fruits such as apricots, figs and peaches are also potassium-rich foods.
The reason behind consuming these fruits in dry form is that, when dehydrated, the nutrients get concentrated and provide more health benefits.
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Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are a great source of potassium and fibre. You can add them to your gravies or salads or consume it in any form in your meals.
Other beans such as white beans, soya beans and lima beans are also good sources of potassium.
Avocado
Avocado is a great heart-healthy fruit, also rich in fibre, vitamins and potassium. Consume it as a fruit or in the form of smoothie or salad and make it a part of your every-day meal.
It is free of sodium and cholesterol.
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Fish
Most varieties of fish contain some amount of potassium in them. However, fishes like salmon, tuna, cod, halibut and flounder have more potassium content that others.
Tomatoes And Tomato Products
Tomatoes again, are foods containing potassium. They are also rich in fibre, protein and vitamin C and contain low fat levels.
Rather that consuming the fresh vegetables, you can consume it in the form of sauce or paste or in the sun-dried form so that the potassium levels increase even more.
You can make it a part of your salads, sandwiches, pizzas or curries.
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Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk and yogurt help you gain the potassium and protein content needed for your body. Make sure you consume low fat dairy products to get higher levels of potassium.