Potassium-Rich Foods For Diabetics

If you or any of your family member is diabetic, include lots of Potassium rich foods in your daily diet. Potassium is an essential mineral which aids in the functioning of the pancreases gland and is responsible for maintaining the pH balance in the human body. Potassium also aids in the other vital body functions of the heart, brain, digestive system and circulatory system hence having a Potassium rich diet ensures overall good health.

Potassium deficiency (Hypokalemia) would lead weakness, muscle cramps and break down, excessive fatigue, lack of concentration, constipation and digestive disorders.

Potassium Rich Foods are good for diabetics as the mineral assists in proper functioning of the pancreas and hence is an important supplement prescribed for diabetes. Potassium helps to control blood sugar level and enhances utilization of insulin secreted by the pancreas. Potassium also aids in cell rejuvenation. 

While potassium supplement tablets can provide the required amount of the mineral, having a diet of potassium rich foods like raw fruits and vegetables is a more natural and healthy way to increase insulin level in the body as supplements are known to cause ulcers.

Here is a List of Potassium Rich Foods for Diabetics;

Raw fruits and vegetables, cereals and milk are rich sources of potassium. Fish, poultry and meat also have high amounts of potassium but should be consumed along with other foods to maintain a healthy acidic –alkaline balance.

Fruits- Apple, apricot, banana, dates, fig, grapefruit, kiwi, melons, mango, nectarines, orange, papaya, pear, plum, prune, strawberries, watermelon are good sources of potassium.

Vegetables – Avocado, artichokes, beetroot, bell pepper, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, eggplant, lima beans, mushroom, peas, potato, plantain, tomato, winter squash are high potassium foods.

Nuts and Dried Fruit – Almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts and raisins should be included in your daily diet to provide for your potassium intake.

Milk and Yogurt are also rich in potassium which is readily assimilated by the body.

Fish and Poultry contain potassium and hence should be a part of your daily diet.

Honey, molasses, turmeric are other natural sources of the mineral.

Here are some sources along with the potassium amounts (more than 500mg) and their calorific value.

You can consult your doctor or nutritionist to find out the exact content of potassium rich foods along with the calorific value. This would help you to choose the foods which you would like to include in your diet to ensure that your body is getting the required amount of potassium in a natural way.

Potassium rich foods for diabetics should be eaten after consulting your doctor as excess potassium may be stored in the body due to kidney problems and diabetic medicines, leading to other problems. 

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