PASS THE POTASSIUM WITH IDAHO® POTATOES
Survey Reveals that Adults Aren't Aware that One Potato Has Almost as Much Potassium as Two Bananas
97% of Adults are Falling Short of the Recommended Daily Intake of Potassium
Idaho® potatoes are a significant source of potassium - an essential nutrient that many Americans do not get enough of on a daily basis.
Eagle, IDAHO (February 11, 2016) -- In a recent survey conducted by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), it was revealed that consumers aren’t aware that potatoes are a potassium-rich food. While 89% of Americans consider bananas to be a significant source of potassium, only 27% associate potatoes with potassium.
Potassium plays a critical role in lowering blood pressure, and about 70 million Americans have high blood pressure. According to a recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, adding just 1600 mg of potassium a day to your diet can lower your risk of stroke by 21%. One medium Idaho® potato contains 759 milligrams of potassium.
“Several years ago, the American Heart Association certified fresh Idaho® potatoes as a heart-healthy food, and now we want consumers to better understand how including potatoes in their diets can benefit their hearts,” explained Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “The versatility of Idaho® potatoes makes them easy to incorporate into any meal, helping adults and kids meet their daily potassium requirement.”
It’s estimated that 97% of adults are falling short of the recommended daily intake of potassium, and according to the IPC’s survey, only 26% of Americans make an effort to consume potassium every day.
“It’s important that children and adults eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods in order to fuel their bodies with the important vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly,” said Toby Amidor, R.D. “Idaho® potatoes are a natural, healthy vegetable that provide a good source of potassium and other vital nutrients.”
To learn more about Idaho® potatoes and peruse the IPC’s rich recipe database featuring more than a thousand different ways to prepare America’s favorite vegetable, visit www.idahopotato.com.
About The Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, that differentiates Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.