Meats, Fruits and Vegetable Foods Containing Potassium

Although not as well-known or trendy as vitamin C and iron, potassium is an element found in food that is also extremely healthy for your body. Found in every cell, potassium contributes to low blood pressure and protects the body from certain chronic conditions, like nerve and muscle diseases. Doctors recommend as much as 4,700mg of potassium a day for adults, but many people get much less than this. By eating potassium-high foods as part of your regular balanced diet, you can easily up your daily intake.

Bananas

• One medium-sized banana contains over 400mg of potassium, making them one of highest-potassium content fruits there are.

Winter Squash

• One cup of squash that has been cooked and cubed contains over 800mg of potassium, which is almost one fourth of your recommended daily needs. Keep this choice healthy by eating the squash with a little bit of oil and cinnamon instead of smothering it in butter, sugar and salt.

Cantaloupe

• Not only is cantaloupe juicy and refreshing, but it also contains over 400mg of potassium in a one cup serving.

Baked Potato

• Baked potatoes often carry a bad rep of being a starch rather than a vegetable. While they may not contain all of the vitamins and proteins that carrots and peppers have, they are an excellent source of potassium with over 600mg. Leave the skin on for optimal potassium levels.

Chicken Breast

• Three ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast is juicy, low-fat, low-calorie and contains over 200mg of potassium. Chicken breast can be grilled, boiled, baked, stir-fried or cut into a salad for a wide variety of delicious choices.

Beef, Bacon, Pork or Tuna

• These types of meat contain less than 150mg of potassium per serving and are considered low-potassium foods.