Potassium Rich Foods - List of Foods High in Potassium

Potassium is a predominantly intracellular mineral that is essential for a variety of cellular processes as well as for good bone and heart health. It can be obtained through tomatoes, bananas, milk, strawberries as well as animal sources.

Potassium (Kalium, K) is one of the vital minerals that play a major role in several cardiac, renal and neuromuscular functions. It is present in the cells and body fluids as potassium ions (K⁺) and potassium chloride (KCl). 98% of the total potassium content in our body is found intracellular.

Importance of Potassium

Potassium is a mineral salt (electrolyte), that plays an important role in regulating our blood pressure, bone mass, muscle functions as well as heart, kidney, and adrenal functions. Potassium is required in the body for:

Maintaining the osmotic and acid-base balance of cells
Activation of certain enzymes
Building proteins and muscles
Metabolizing carbohydrates
Regulating the electrical activity of heart
Regulating neuron-muscular signals to voluntary and involuntary muscles
Maintaining bone mineral density

Potassium deficiency disrupts the balance between intracellular and extracellular potassium content, and may lead to reduction in the levels of potassium in blood (hypokalemia). This condition is characterized by fatigue, myalgia, joint pain, muscle stiffness and cramps, depression, mood alterations, and slow reflexes. Severe deficiency may lead to cardiac problems, altered renal function, gastric problems as well as liver damage.

Potassium-rich Foods

There is a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a rich potassium content and can be easily included in the daily diet. Meat and poultry products also serve as good sources for potassium.