Many people think that banana is a better option than sports drinks while other think of it is a natural energy bar. Regardless of what your opinion is, banana provides many benefits.
People who are into fitness activities like football players, boxers, athletes are familiar with the fact that banana has a high content of potassium.
The recommended daily dose of potassium that our body requires is 4.700 mg. The banana provides 11% of this daily requirement, or to be more specific 422 mg. It is scientifically proven that you can obtain more endurance from bananas than sports drinks.
Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte. In fact, it is one of the most important types of electrolytes for the human body.
The potassium can allow the cell to function properly and to communicate. Moreover, it can move the electrical impulses in your body!
The deficiency of potassium can cause problems like:
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Dizzy spells
- Muscle cramps
Bananas are known to be a great source of potassium. However, they are not the only food rich in potassium.
Actually, the following foods have richer potassium content and are considered as better source of potassium than banana
Foods Rich with Potassium:
1. Spinach
One cup of spinach contains 839 mg of potassium. Spinach is flexible to consume – it can be added to a salad or burger. If you are a smoothie lover, you can also add it to your usual smoothie.
2. Avocado
The avocado is another great source of potassium. Just one-half of this fruit contains 478 mg of potassium. So, if you eat the entire fruit you will consume 708 mg of potassium.
We need to mention that avocado has a lot of calories which means that you are supposed to consume it from time to time, not on a regular basis or after finishing your workout.
3. Coconut Water
After having a great workout, we all need to re-hydrate our body. Coconut water is the best option for you. Only one glass contains 480 mg of potassium. This is definitely more compared to the potassium content of sports drinks.
4. Sweet Potato
130 g of sweet potato contain 438 mg of potassium. Moreover, sweet potato has carbohydrates and helps potassium to stimulate the glycogen used.
5. Plain Nonfat Yogurt
One serving of eight ounces contains 579 grams (20.4236 ounces) of potassium. Additionally, it contains a lot of proteins, essential for your body if you want to have muscles.
Those who are working out are recommended to consume these foods that have a high content of potassium. During a long workout session, we lose electrolytes, so consuming one of these foods after working out can replace the lost electrolytes.
Include these foods in your diet in order to avoid the symptoms of potassium deficiency!
Source: health-and-love-page.com
Other included sources linked in Health & Love Page’s article:
Steth News
Women’s Health
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