You’ve probably heard of potassium as that health thing/nutrient in bananas that’s good for you, right? But do you know what potassium actually is?

Don’t feel bad if you don’t, I didn’t know what it was until I did this article! And since I’m the bringer of knowledge – both because that’s what this series is for and because I’m an Aquarius – let’s take a quick walk down What The Heck Is Potassium, Anyway? Avenue.

Potassium is a mineral that helps maintains your body’s nerves, muscles, kidneys and heart functions. It’s said that when people eat diets rich in potassium, they can lower their blood pressure, reduce their risk of kidney stones and potentially regulate their blood sugar levels.

Adults need 4,700mg of potassium daily and while that may sound like a lot, with how abundant it is in foods, you really don’t need to worry. (Like most other nutrients in this series)

Starting in the top left-hand corner, and moving clockwise:

• Dried Apricots (1,510mg)
• Prunes (1,270mg)
• Raisins (1,200mg)
• Durian (1,059mg)
• Swiss Chard (961mg)
• 1 Med Baked Potato (929mg)
• Yams (912mg)
• Spinach (830mg)
• Lentils (731mg)
•  Avocado (728mg)
• Guava (688mg)
• 1 Whole Pomegranate (666mg)
• 2 Slices Watermelon (640mg)
•  Kidney Beans (607mg)
•  Coconut Water (600mg)
• Butternut Squash (582mg)
• 1 Med Sweet Potato (542mg)
•  Beets (518mg)
• 1 Banana (451mg)

I don’t know about you, but I was surprised to learn that not only so many other foods have more potassium than bananas, but that bananas have so little in comparison, that they’re at the bottom of the list!

Did this list shock you? Do you know of any potassium-rich foods I missed? (With equal values to the above) Let me know in the comments!

Like this article? Check out the rest of the series here!

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