Little Potatoes nutrition: potassium

Little in size, but big on nutrition, Little Potatoes are the creamer of the crop. But what makes these little guys so healthy? A whole food veggie, they are full of a wide variety of nutrients that are essential in a good diet. Today let’s break down one of the top nutrients in Little Potatoes: potassium.

What Is Potassium?

Potassium is one of the minerals in our body. Acting as an electrolyte along with sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride, it is crucial to both our cellular and electrical function.

What Does that Mean?

Together with sodium, potassium regulates the water balance in the blood and tissues, generates nerve impulses, and helps our muscles contract, and our heart beat. It also plays an important role in our metabolism, helping our body convert food into energy, like turning glucose (from carbohydrates) into glycogen (how we store energy for later).

Potassium also plays an important part in normal growth and muscle building.

What Happens If We Don’t Get Enough Potassium?

Deficiency of potassium is more common as we age, or if we eat a poor diet. Hypertension (aka high blood pressure), fatigue, and impaired glucose metabolism have all been associated with low potassium levels.

Why Are Some Causes of Low Potassium?

Eating a poor diet that is high in processed foods, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is the main culprit when it comes to low potassium levels.

As potassium is excreted through the kidneys, high alcohol and caffeine intakes may also contribute to lower potassium levels.

Athletes who sweat a lot should also be aware of replenishing potassium. As an electrolyte, it plays an important role in proper hydration.

What Are Good Sources of Potassium?

When it comes to getting enough potassium in your diet, choose to eat more fresh fruits and veggies. Little Potatoes, for example, are an amazing source of potassium, with some varieties giving you 20% of your daily recommended value. Leafy greens, broccoli, bananas, apples, avocados, and citrus fruits are also great sources of potassium.

Where Can I Find Some Potassium Packed Recipes?

We’ve got a ton! To get you started, we recommend Tuna Nicoise Salad with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing, Herbed Potato Salad, or Sage Garlic Roasted Vegetables with Little Potatoes.

Curious about other healthy benefits of eating Little Potatoes? Drop us a line in the comments!

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References

Haas, Elson M. The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 2006. Print.

“The World’s Healthiest Foods.” The World’s Healthiest Foods. Web. 06 Mar. 2017.