Turmeric & Potassium

Bright orange-yellow turmeric, common to East and Southeast Asian cuisines, is a wonderful source of potassium. If you're concerned about hypertension or cardiovascular health, including turmeric in your diet may be helpful, especially if you also worry about low potassium 5. You can sometimes purchase turmeric fresh in ethnic grocery stores, but many supermarkets stock it in its powdered, dried form in their spice aisles.

Potassium in Turmeric

A 100-gram serving of turmeric contains 2,525 milligrams of potassium, or 54 percent of your daily recommended intake. The daily recommended amount for adults is 4.7 grams per day. You won't likely consume this much turmeric in one sitting, however, or even in one day. Thus, while a small amount of turmeric can help increase your potassium levels, you'll have trouble eating enough turmeric to fulfill your nutritional requirements.

Turmeric Benefits

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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric has additional health benefits and might help prevent certain cancers and lower cholesterol levels 234. Some people use turmeric as an anti-inflammatory to assist with digestion and liver problems and help with skin diseases. Curcurmin, found in turmeric, is a strong antioxidant and can help prevent blood clots.

Potassium Functions

Potassium has a wide range of functions in your body, helping maintain healthy kidneys, nerve system transmissions, cellular fluid levels and bone mass. It also aids in regulating sodium levels and thus blood pressure. Potassium also helps your body store carbohydrates, which provide energy for your muscles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium may also reduce the likelihood of a stroke 234.

Including Turmeric In Your Diet

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Since few people consume turmeric in large quantities, including it regularly as a spice with other potassium-rich foods will help increase your potassium consumption. Turmeric is a common ingredient in curries in Southeast Asia, so if you'd like to try your hand at making these traditional dishes, you'll automatically start using more turmeric.

Potassium also occurs in other foods, including lima beans, meats, soy products, potatoes and winter squashes. Citrus fruits and bananas are also well-known sources of potassium. Mix in turmeric with a three-bean salad or as a seasoning for roast chicken to increase your overall potassium consumption.