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POTASSIUM

Potassium's task is a formidable one, primarily because of its role as an electrolyte, a mineral that takes on a positive or negative charge when dissolved in the watery medium of body fluids. (Sodium and chloride are other important electrolytes.) To regulate blood pressure and muscle contraction, and to keep nerves, kidneys, and a host of other body processes working properly, the body needs to maintain these electrolytes in a delicate balance.

In addition, potassium aids in converting blood sugar (glucose, the body's foremost fuel), into glycogen, a form of energy that can be stored in the muscles and liver and released as needed.

What are the best food sources?
Bananas, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, vegetables, meats, milk, grains, and legumes all have plenty of potassium. To give you a sense of how easy it is to obtain from your daily diet, we've listed the milligram count in some foods, below:

• 1 medium baked potato: 844.4 mg

• 8 oz. prune juice: 706.6 mg

• 1 avocado: 602 mg

• 1 cup raisins: 575 mg

• 10 dried apricots: 482 mg

• 3 oz. salmon: 453.9 mg

• 1 medium banana: 451.4 mg

• 1 cup mushrooms: 277.7 mg

Also see Why do they eat bananas?