National Academy of Sciences Recommends More Potassium, Potato #1 Source

Business Wire, August 2, 2004

DENVER -- Now Even More Reasons to Eat the Potassium-Packed Potato, Leader Among the 20 Top-Selling Fruits and Vegetables

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.

The challenge now lies in educating Americans about what foods are good sources of this vital mineral. It might surprise some to learn that there's a delicious way to boost potassium intake: Eat more potatoes! The potato actually ranks highest in potassium per serving among the 20 best-selling fruits and vegetables in the United States (ACNielsen).

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.

20 Top-Selling Fruits and Vegetables,
                     Ranked by Amount of Potassium

       Potato                   1 medium                 720 mg
       Broccoli                 1 medium stalk           540 mg
       Banana                   1 medium                 400 mg
       Tomato - Plum/Roma       1 medium                 360 mg
       Tomato - Other           1 medium                 360 mg
       Celery                   2 medium stalks          350 mg
       Nectarine                1 medium                 300 mg
       Cantaloupe               1/4 medium               280 mg
       Bell/Sweet pepper        1 medium                 270 mg
       Grapes                   1  1/2 cups              270 mg
       Strawberries             8 medium                 270 mg
       Orange                   1 medium                 260 mg
       Onion                    1 medium                 240 mg
       Sweet corn               1 medium ear             240 mg
       Watermelon               2 cups diced             230 mg
       Peach                    1 medium                 190 mg
       Cucumber                 1/3 medium               170 mg
       Iceberg lettuce          1/6 medium head          120 mg
       Apple - Red delicious    1 medium                  70 mg
       Apple - other            1 medium                  70 mg

Source: ACNielsen, Produce for Better Health Foundation

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.