Potassium Levels in Meat

An essential mineral for good health, potassium balances fluid and lowers your blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure as they age than men. Including lean meat and other potassium-rich foods into your diet can help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy for the long haul.

Roles of Potassium

Potassium acts as an electrolyte in the body, helping to regulate metabolism, build muscles, and sustain proper functioning of every cell, tissue, nerve and organ. Without potassium, you could even disrupt the normal electrical activity in the heart, explains the National Institutes of Health. Potassium also works with sodium to balance fluid in your body. A high-sodium diet raises blood pressure, but a high-potassium diet promotes healthy blood pressure levels.

Recommendations

Sources of Electrolytes

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Though potassium is found in many foods, most people don't get enough of this element in their diets, warns Colorado State University. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult women consume up to 4,700 milligrams a day, but most people only consume half this amount. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are good sources of potassium.

High-Potassium Meats

Some of the leanest cuts of meat are the best sources of potassium, according to Colorado State University. Three ounces of chicken provide 383 milligrams of potassium and 3 ounces of fish provide 375 milligrams. Canned tuna and salmon are even better sources, providing 484 milligrams, or 10 percent of the daily recommendation, per 3 ounces.

Other Meat Sources

How Much Potassium Does a Female Need?

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Three ounces of beef and lamb contain approximately 250 milligrams of potassium. Ham and pork provide 182 milligrams and 105 milligrams respectively. Bacon, bologna and corned beef provide only 45 to 60 milligrams per serving. These processed meats also contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium, which can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease over time.

Tips

Get the most potassium out of your meal by balancing your meat entree with potassium-rich plant foods. A plain baked potato and a 1/2 cup of cooked greens provides a total of 1,265 milligrams of potassium. Paired with 3 ounces of grilled chicken, this lean meal provides approximately 35 percent of your recommended potassium intake. Low-fat dairy products also provide potassium, so add a cup of low-fat milk to your meal for an extra 382 milligrams of potassium, or a total of 2,030 milligrams for the entire meal.