8 Foods With More Potassium Than a Banana

When it comes to potassium, bananas may seem like the go-to food to get your fill of this mineral—one medium banana has around 420 mg, that's 12 percent of your daily value. Potassium is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, helping you ward off muscle cramps. It's also important for keeping your heart healthy and your blood pressure in a healthy range. That's because potassium helps counteract the blood pressure-raising effect of sodium. But bananas aren't the only potassium superstars. Here are eight potassium-rich foods with more potassium per serving than a banana and flavorful recipes to enjoy them.

1. Salmon

Salmon: 4 ounces = 554 mg potassium

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 8 ounces of fish per week for adults based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Plus, eating fish like salmon is known as a heart-healthy food because it is rich in omega-3s. The potassium in salmon also helps your heart, so there is even more reason to reach for this fish.

2. Avocado

Pictured recipe: Jason Mraz's Guacamole

1/2 cup mashed avocado = 560 mg potassium

Avocados are also known for having heart-healthy fats. One serving is 1/3 of an avocado, which delivers 75 calories, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Research points out that including avocados as part of the meal may promote satiety (aka the feeling of fullness) and reduce hunger. Other studies noted the weight-loss benefits of eating avocados regularly.

3. Yogurt

1 cup non-fat plain yogurt = 573 mg potassium

In addition to potassium, yogurt also delivers probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. When you buy yogurt, choose plain over flavored to save yourself lots of added sugar.

4. Baked Acorn Squash

Pictured recipe: Moroccan Chickpea-Stuffed Acorn Squash.

1 cup cubed acorn squash = 486 mg potassium

Acorn squash is high in fiber, an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and also provides vitamin B6, folate, vitamin K and potassium.

5. Dried Apricots

1/2 cup dried apricots = 755 mg potassium

This humble and sweet dried fruit is a great way to get in your potassium. Dried apricots are easy to find, unlike fresh, which have a very short season. Every half cup of dried apricots also delivers 5 grams of heart-healthy fiber.

6. Baked Potato (with skin)

Pictured recipe: Roasted Chicken Thighs, Potatoes & Scallions with Herb Vinaigrette

1 medium potato = 952 mg potassium

Potatoes have a bad reputation, but they are delicious and nutrient-packed vegetables, especially if you eat the skin. One medium potato has only 160 calories and delivers the minerals magnesium and phosphorus in addition to potassium.

7. White Beans

1/2 cup white beans = 500 mg potassium

Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and are also high in fiber. Protein and fiber are both satisfying and help fill you up. Try one of these recipes to up your intake:

• Ratatouille with White Beans & Polenta
• Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits
• Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wrap

8. Dark Leafy Greens

Pictured recipe: One-Pot Italian Sausage & Kale Pasta.

1 cup cooked spinach = 839 mg potassium

Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, so it's no surprise that they are also a good source of potassium. Dark leafy greens are also high in calcium, vitamin C and vitamin K.