The Staple Ingredient That Has Even More Potassium Than A Banana - Tasting Table

"Hypokalemia is what it's called when you have low potassium levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, most Americans do not get enough potassium in their diet. That can lead to a host of health concerns - including decreased brain function, high blood pressure, and an elevated risk of kidney stones in the most extreme cases, and general muscle weakness and tiredness in the least. So you want to make sure you're getting enough in your diet. Adult males should be consuming 3,400 milligrams of potassium per day while women require 2,600 milligrams."

"Bananas are touted as a great source of potassium, and while they do provide quite a bit, there are some better sources. Consuming a fairly small 100 gram banana will provide 358 milligrams of potassium. Meanwhile, eating the same amount of potato with the skin on offers 531 milligrams and a whole, medium-sized potato offers 919 milligrams. If you ate a large potato that weighed over 200 grams, you'd get over 1,000 milligrams of potassium."

The body requires potassium as an essential mineral and many Americans do not consume enough. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, can cause decreased brain function, high blood pressure, increased kidney stone risk, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Recommended daily potassium intake is roughly 3,400 mg for adult males and 2,600 mg for adult females. A 100 g banana supplies about 358 mg of potassium, while a 100 g potato with skin supplies about 531 mg. A medium potato provides approximately 919 mg and a large potato over 200 g can supply more than 1,000 mg. Preparation methods affect potassium retention, and few foods like cooked spinach and raisins contain more potassium per 100 g, though potatoes are more satiating and versatile.

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