Heart beat: Tapping the power of potassium
Heart beat
Most Americans get barely half of the recommended amount of potassium — 4,700 milligrams (mg) a day. Fruits, vegetables, beans, and some seeds offer good ways to get more of it. Bananas (about 425 mg of potassium in a medium-sized one) are often held up as the poster child for potassium, but there are better sources. A medium-sized baked potato with the skin delivers nearly 1,000 mg. Halibut, raisins, acorn squash, watermelon, and milk are also good sources. If you have heart failure or are taking a diuretic, talk with your doctor before adding more potassium to your diet.
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