How Much Potassium Is in a Banana?

Potassium powerhouse

One banana packs a potassium punch of at least 450 milligrams. At more than 20 percent of your necessary daily value, that's a lot of the vital mineral. But the banana's reputation as a potassium powerhouse is a bit overblown. Many other common foods--such as beans, potatoes and halibut--contain much more potassium. Of course, that doesn't mean bananas aren't generally healthy. In fact, they're one of the healthiest fruits around.

Instructions

1. Bananas are full of vitamin B6, which wards off fatigue and insomnia.

2. The serotonin and norepinephrine that occur naturally in bananas help to combat depression.

3. Because bananas are high in fiber, they keep the digestive tract healthy and regular.

4. While they're high in potassium, bananas are very low in sodium--making them a perfect food to prevent high blood pressure and stroke.

Tips & Warnings

• Bananas are a great junk-food substitute for people who have constant sugar cravings.

• Bananas are a natural antacid, so heartburn sufferers should consider them for dessert.

References

• USDA: Ranking of Potassium-Rich Foods

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish