Is Coffee High In Potassium? Read About Its Health Benefits

Do you need a morning caffeine fix and want to make sure you’re getting some potassium, too? Is coffee high in potassium?

Let’s see what the experts are saying about potassium content in coffee and if it is a good source of this nutrient.

 

Is coffee high in potassium?

Potassium is a mineral that is essential for cell function. It helps regulate the flow of electrical impulses throughout your body, which is vital for many body functions. About 98% of potassium in the body can be found within cells.

Is coffee high in potassium?

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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 100 grams of coffee contains 49 milligrams of potassium, making it a low-potassium beverage choice.

Exceeding three cups of coffee daily, however, could lead to high potassium levels. The coffee’s potassium content is further increased with creamers or milk additives. Click To Tweet

The recommended daily potassium intake for a human adult is 4,700 milligrams to keep the body functioning well. A potassium-rich diet can reduce your risk for stroke, high blood pressure, muscle cramps, and kidney stones.

Potassium can be found in whole foods such as beans, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes, and fresh leafy green vegetables.

Hypokalemia is a condition where potassium intake is decreased, while hyperkalemia is a condition where potassium intake is increased. Both can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems.

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Symptoms of hyperkalemia

People with kidney disease and drug toxicities often have high levels of potassium. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Breathing difficulties
• Irregular heartbeat

Symptoms of hypokalemia

Hypovolemic shock is characterized by low potassium levels due to rapid fluid loss. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Abdominal distension
• Breathing difficulties
• Mood changes
• Cardiac arrhythmia

What is the role of potassium in the body?

Potassium is a critical mineral for the body, playing a role in many essential functions.

• Maintains balance in fluids and electrolytes. The body is made up of 60% water, with 40% of that found in intracellular space. This intracellular fluid (ICF) contains important electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, which regulate the fluid balance between the ICF and extracellular space (ECF). Unbalanced electrolyte levels can cause cells to shrink, swell or burst, so it’s important to consume adequate fluids and electrolytes daily.
• Maintains the nervous system. The nervous system relays messages from the brain to the body and vice versa. Potassium ions transmit these electrical impulses through nerves to control muscle contraction, nerve reflexes, and other body functions. Nerve impulses are created when sodium ions enter cells and potassium ions leave the cells.
• Regulates heart and gut muscles. The process of muscle contractions in the heart muscle and the gut muscle requires potassium.

What are the health advantages of potassium?

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A potassium-rich diet has many health benefits, including:

• Lowers blood pressure: This is done by reducing sodium levels (excessive sodium causes blood pressure to rise).
• Lowers risk of stroke: Potassium lowers stroke risk.
• Prevents osteoporosis. Osteoporosis refers to a condition in which the bone is porous and is susceptible to fractures due to low calcium levels. Potassium helps slow down the elimination of calcium from the body.
• Prevents kidney stones: Potassium helps lower calcium levels in urine.
• Prevents fluid retention: Potassium can decrease fluid retention by increasing urine production.

Conclusion

Is coffee high in potassium? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that 100 grams of coffee contain only 49mg of potassium, which makes it a low-potassium drink. However, consuming more than three cups of coffee per day could lead to high potassium levels, which can be further increased by adding creamers or milk to the coffee.