August 2004 (Newstream) -- The National Academy of Sciences recently increased the recommended intake for potassium from 3,500 mg to 4,700 mg per day. This increase is largely based on evidence of potassium's role in controlling hypertension and preventing stroke - conditions that, according to the American Heart Association, affect more than 50 million or one in four Americans.

Potatoes Lead Potassium Produce Picks

One serving of skin-on potatoes (5.3-ounces) contains 720 mg of potassium, making it an excellent source of potassium. Runners-up in the potassium category include broccoli (540 mg per serving), bananas (400 mg per serving), tomatoes (360 mg per serving), and oranges (260 mg per serving).

Research indicates that most American adult women are getting less than half the recommended amount of potassium, and men's intake is only slightly better. Since approximately 30 percent of people with hypertension are unaware of their condition and only 34 percent of those with hypertension have it under control, increasing potassium intake would have a powerful impact on blood pressure, stroke, and possibly heart disease (Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure).

In fact, potatoes meet FDA requirements for the health claim, "consuming foods such as potatoes that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke." Potassium is a mineral that is part of every body cell. It helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of cells and in doing so, helps maintain normal blood pressure. Potassium is also vital for transmitting nerve impulses or signals and helping muscles contract.

"High potassium content is just one more smart reason to include potatoes in a healthful diet," explains Margo Kraus, MS, RD, nutrition consultant for the United States Potato Board. "Potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C and bring important B vitamins. A 5.3-ounce potato has a mere 100 calories and contains no fat or sodium. What's even better is that people love them and want to eat them!" To get healthy recipe ideas using the potassium-packed potato or more potato nutrition information, visit www.healthypotato.com.

To see the chart of 20 Top-Selling Fruits and Vegetables,Ranked by Amount of Potassium, please download the Press Release from the Assets column on the right side.

The United States Potato Board (USPB) was established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Recognized as an innovator in the produce marketing industry, the USPB was one of the first commodity groups to promote its product "generically" and to develop a nutrition label approved by the FDA. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the USPB represents more than 6,000 potato growers and handlers across the country.

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