Potassium is an essential nutrient to our bodies. It is regarded as an electrolyte that activates nerve functions and facilitates muscle contraction.
It also plays a role in controlling the heartbeat and in moving nutrients inside the cell and waste outside the cell.
Researchers have found out that a potassium-rich diet might help in lowering blood pressure, protecting against stroke, reducing water retention, and may even help prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.
Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the body, however, it is necessary to find the correct balance of potassium intake.
High levels of potassium are not good for health. Hence, it is necessary to maintain a healthy level of potassium in the body.
The requirement of potassium in the body can be fulfilled by incorporating fruits and vegetables such as bananas, avocados, tomatoes, beans, and broccoli.
Best Potassium Rich Foods
Banana
Bananas are consumed all around the world. They are one of the best sources of potassium. They are tasty fruit and also contain vitamin C.
According to a study[1], one average-sized banana contains around 451 milligrams of potassium. This study suggests that ripe bananas are much higher in their sugar content.
To gain maximum benefits, green bananas are the best option. They can help to keep your sugar levels in check and might also improve your gut health.
Green bananas contain high levels of fibers which may retain the feeling of fullness for a longer duration of time which in turn can improve digestion and potentially promote weight loss, according to this research[2].
Bananas are quite accessible and can easily be included in your diet plan.
Avocado
Avocados are unique and delicious. They have become extremely popular because of their multiple health benefits.
Studies have shown that avocados contain more potassium than bananas. According to this research[3], 230 grams of mashed avocados contain 1120 milligrams of potassium.
Avocados are recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure as the potassium content present in them might help in controlling blood pressure levels.
They are also high in fiber and low in carbohydrates and monounsaturated fats which have several positive effects[4] such as promoting heart health and weight management.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a popular dairy product. This is also rich in potassium. Researchers[5] have found out that 1 cup of yogurt gives us 380 milligrams of potassium.
While yogurt can have great health benefits, make sure to check the labels and buy low-fat unflavored yogurt.
Flavored yogurts contain artificial sweeteners which may reduce the health benefits which are obtained from plain yogurt.
Since it is a fermented food it incorporates within itself many other benefits such as promoting[6] gut health and improved digestion since it is loaded with good bacteria.
Moreover, yogurt is also high in protein and calcium which helps strengthen your immune system and promotes weight management.Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes have become a popular food in several countries and they are packed with nutrients. Studies[7] show that 235 grams of sweet potatoes contain 1,110 milligrams of potassium.
This study also shows that since much of the potassium content in sweet potatoes is present in their skin, it is advisable to wash and clean the sweet potatoes and consume them with the skin to gain maximum benefits.
In addition to this, sweet potatoes contain several vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, thiamin, zinc, calcium, vitamin B6 and manganese.
Sweet potatoes may also promote[8] gut health, maintain healthy vision, enhance cognitive function, and also support your immune system.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables available. This leafy green vegetable is rich in potassium. Studies show that other than avocados, spinach is another example of a food that contains more potassium than bananas.
This study[9] shows that just 100 grams of spinach contain 558 milligrams of potassium. Spinach is also an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, and magnesium.
It can easily be incorporated into your diet in the form of raw salad and boiled spinach or even frozen. Spinach may also boost hydration, improve[10] anemia, strengthen the immune system and keep the eye healthy.
White Beans
Beans are an outstanding source of potassium and incredibly packed with other nutrients as well.
The term white beans can refer to navy beans, cannellini beans, lima beans, or great northern beans all of which are healthy and nutritious.
Research[11] shows that just 179 grams or one cup of beans contain 561 milligrams of potassium which is twice as much the potassium that we obtain from bananas.
Black beans are also equally nutritious, however, they contain phytates which decrease the absorption of minerals in the body. To prevent this, you may soak the beans overnight.
Both black and white beans are delicious and may be consumed as a salad or cooked.
Tomato Puree
Tomatoes are used on a large scale worldwide. Tomato puree is highly recommended if you are looking for foods high in potassium. The puree contains more potassium than tomatoes as whole.
Studies[12] show that 100 grams of tomato puree contain 1010 milligrams of potassium. Studies also suggest that sun-dried tomatoes are even higher in their potassium content.
In addition to potassium, it also contains vitamin C and fiber. Tomatoes keep our skin healthy. Tomatoes are also a great source of antioxidants such as lycopene.
More on it here.[13]
Potato
Potatoes are consumed as staple foods in many countries and are densely packed with potassium. Studies show that 100 grams of boiled potatoes contain 328 milligrams of potassium according to this article[14].
They are one of the cheapest vegetables available in the market. Potatoes with skin contain more potassium than peeled ones. Potatoes are another food that contains more potassium than bananas.
Other than potassium they are also rich in several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. This may help keep blood sugar in control.
Potatoes are good for people having high blood pressure as less sodium intake and more potassium intake can control high blood pressure.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash has a range of health benefits[15]. including the ability lower cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. One cup[16] or 100 grams of butternut squash contains 284 milligrams of potassium.
Other than potassium it also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium. Research has also shown that butternut squash might also promote eye health enhance hair health due to the keratin it contains, and even help those suffering from asthma.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great replacement for several market-based highly processed drinks with a lot of sugar.
Coconut water contains electrolytes that are required by the human body to balance pH levels, maintain heart, nerve, and muscle function, and of course hydrate the body.
One of the essential minerals in this drink is potassium. Around 1 cup or 240 grams of coconut water contains 600 milligrams of potassium as per this article[17].
Coconut water is a great substitute for post-workout drinks as it contains electrolytes that help draw water into the cells to keep them hydrated.
The natural sugars present in coconut water provide energy to the cells and help restore the lost amount of energy during physical activity.
This research[18] has found that coconut water proves to be more beneficial and effective than water, as effective as post-workout drinks.
Since it is high in potassium, it might also lower blood pressure. And since it is low in calories and free from fat and cholesterol, it makes it a better choice than many other drinks.
It may provide you with healthier skin and could even prevent kidney stones.
Flax Seeds
It is a lesser-known fact that flax seeds are also rich in potassium. About 100 grams of flax seeds contain around 813 mg of potassium.
This could be regarded as a higher content of potassium than a banana. Not to miss, flax seeds are also high in fiber and have many omega-3 benefits.
As a result, one could easily conclude that there are many benefits of flax seeds. But one should not go overboard with flax seeds consumption as there exist multiple flax seed side effects.
Conclusion
The major function[19] of potassium is to maintain nerve and muscle contraction. It helps the muscles of your heart to contract to maintain its proper functioning and blood pressure of the body.
Bananas, avocados, yogurt, sweet potatoes, spinach, white beans, tomato puree, potato, butternut squash, and coconut water are some of the best sources of potassium.
Maintaining potassium levels in your body should be a part of your daily fitness goals to ensure the proper functioning of your body.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Bananas, raw FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173944/nutrients
- Ana Luisa Falcomer,1 Roberta Figueiredo Resende Riquette,2 Bernardo Romão de Lima, et al. Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review Nutrients. 2019 Jun; 11(6): 1222. Published online 2019 May 29. doi: 10.3390/nu11061222
- Avocados, raw, all commercial varieties FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171705/nutrients
- Mark L. Dreher and Adrienne J. Davenport Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013 May; 53(7): 738–750.Published online 2013 May 2. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.556759
- Yogurt, plain, whole milk FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171284/nutrients
- Daniel J. Lisko, G. Patricia Johnston, and Carl G. Johnston Effects of Dietary Yogurt on the Healthy Human Gastrointestinal (GI) Microbiome Microorganisms. 2017 Mar; 5(1): 6.Published online 2017 Feb 15. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms5010006
- Sweet potato, cooked, baked in skin, flesh, without salt FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168483/nutrients
- Flora C. Amagloh, Benard Yada, Gaston A. Tumuhimbise, et al. The Potential of Sweetpotato as a Functional Food in Sub-Saharan Africa and Its Implications for Health: A Review Molecules. 2021 May; 26(10): 2971. Published online 2021 May 17. doi: 10.3390/molecules26102971
- Spinach, raw FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168462/nutrients
- N S Scrimshaw Iron deficiency Sci Am. 1991 Oct;265(4):46-52. doi: 10.1038/scientificamerican1091-46. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1745900/
- Beans, white, mature seeds, canned FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175204/nutrients
- Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170457/nutrients
- Muhammad Imran, Fereshteh Ghorat, Iahtisham Ul-Haq, et al. Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Aug; 9(8): 706.Published online 2020 Aug 4. doi: 10.3390/antiox9080706
- Jerrilynn D Burrowes, Nicholas J Ramer Changes in potassium content of different potato varieties after cooking J Ren Nutr. 2008 Nov;18(6):530-4. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2008.08.005. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18940657/
- Haoxin Li Evaluation of bioactivity of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata D.) seeds and skin Food Sci Nutr. 2020 Jul; 8(7): 3252–3261.
Published online 2020 May 14. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.1602 - Squash, winter, butternut, cooked, baked, without salt FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169296/nutrients
- Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts) FDC Published:4/1/2019 Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170174/nutrients
- Orietta Segura-Badilla, Martín Lazcano-Hernández, Ashuin Kammar-García, et al. Use of coconut water (Cocus nucifera L) for the development of a symbiotic functional drink Heliyon. 2020 Mar; 6(3): e03653.Published online 2020 Mar 28. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03653
- Potassium Updated: June 2, 2022 Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Otella has an experience of around eight years of writing about health and nutrition-related topics. She is a full-time mother and a housewife, and the time she has left after doing her mother and household duties is spent writing for Working for Health as a full-time writer. Her life goal is to raise both her boys into a gentleman, and at the same time, she wants to educate people on how to keep themselves fit by tweaking their daily diet.