About Potassium Levels in Bananas
Many Americans equate a potassium deficiency with nocturnal leg cramps. These cramps, caused by contracting muscles that fail to relax, force you wide awake with intense pain radiating from the leg, generally the calf. The immediate remedy consists of applying pressure to the foot to relieve the cramp. A common folk remedy designed to prevent cramps from reoccurring is to eat a banana to restore the potassium balance in the body. But does this measure up to what science has to say? Does this Spark an idea?
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Potassium Content
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One medium banana contains 300 mg of potassium and is an excellent source of potassium. However, the recommended amount of potassium a day is 3500 mg. A person would have to eat almost 12 bananas a day to meet the dietary needs for potassium.
Benefits
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Bananas provide benefits over other potassium-rich food. Generally eaten fresh without processing or cooking, none of the potassium in bananas is compromised during processing. Eaten as is, sliced and eaten in cereal or in a sandwich with peanut butter, bananas provide a quick source of potassium. Their sweet flavor makes them ideal as a snack to satisfy a sweet tooth while providing the body with valuable nutrients.
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Effects
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When eaten with high potassium foods such as milk and yogurt, bananas provide a nutritious breakfast to replenish potassium levels and restore a healthy balance of potassium and sodium in the bloodstream. An imbalance of potassium and sodium prevents the body from regulating blood pressure, nerve function and muscle control, which may result in leg cramps. Eating foods such as bananas prevents both high sodium levels and low potassium levels.
Safety
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Bananas provide a natural source of potassium without the risk of unusually high doses. Potassium supplements come with the risk of dangerous levels, which can result in heart and kidney problems. The Food and Drug Administration regulates potassium supplements to 99 mg per tablet in over-the-counter preparations.
Recommendations
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Bananas provide quick access to potassium that metabolizes quickly. Eaten fresh and in moderation, bananas may bring immediate results in cases where imbalances of potassium and sodium exist. A medium banana a day, along with ample servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, provides the needed amounts of potassium. Deficiencies that are more serious require the intervention of a medical professional.
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