When you think of potassium rich foods, the first thing you think of is almost always bananas. You would not be wrong if you think that fruit, like the handheld, contains 422 milligrams of potassium in a medium-sized banana according to US Department of Agriculture. That’s just over 9% of the potassium you need in a day, according to National Institutes of Health, and although there is a large amount in each banana, there are foods that can give you more.
Watermelons, although they are mainly known for their high water content and keep you hydrated, also contain a lot of potassium. Two slices of watermelon, or about one-eighth of the whole melon, pack a full 640 milligrams of potassium, or about 18% of your daily amount. That’s twice as much as you would get from a banana!
The potassium-filled fruit is a summer staple, and it will end up on your plate at least once throughout the season. Whether it’s just a piece of fruit to eat with a summer grill, whipped in a salad with tomatoes or eaten fresh from the grill. Take a look at our history with 25 watermelon-specific recipes for more summer inspiration.
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In addition to being a great source of potassium, watermelon also helps improve digestive problems because it has such a high water content, according to the USDA. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin B6 and is a good source of magnesium.
Making a good snack is not the only thing that potassium-rich foods are good for. Potassium is extremely useful in the body for a variety of reasons, including that it is good for helping you prevent high blood pressure.
When high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to heart disease or stroke, so it is important to keep blood pressure at a healthy level. An easy way to lower blood pressure is to eat foods rich in potassium, according to a study from Purdue University. The study also concludes that potassium has a “wide range of health benefits” for the heart and kidneys, and it plays an important role in maintaining good bone health. So if you want strong, healthy bones, make sure to not only replenish calcium sources such as milk and cheese, but also potassium-rich foods.
According to National Institutes of Health, if you do not eat enough potassium it can lead to increased blood pressure, risk of developing kidney stones, as well as a salt sensitivity, so do not hesitate to drop some watermelon to add more potassium to your diet.
Check out what other foods are also filled with potassium to make a heart-healthy food choice. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for even more healthy eating tips!
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