Our body needs a lot of minerals to function well. The need for these minerals in the body is relatively less than for macronutrients, but the need is significant. Some of the most important minerals are sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Potassium (denoted by the symbol ‘K’) is the most necessary macromineral. It helps in maintaining a healthy fluid balance in the body. Dairy products, nuts, starchy and leafy vegetables are important sources of potassium. Too much potassium or too little potassium can be detrimental to one’s health. So, potassium intake needs to be checked as well.
There is one product that most of us regularly consume: coffee. So, does coffee have potassium in it? The answer is clearly a YES! Coffee has potassium, and that gives rise to further questions. What effects does coffee have on the body’s potassium levels? Do different forms of coffee have varied potassium content in them?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
How Much Potassium Does Coffee Have?
Different types of coffee (regular, instant, and decaf coffee) have different potassium levels in them. On average, 1 tsp of coffee contains around 35 mg potassium. When we compare decaf to instant coffee, the former is higher on potassium with about 116 mg, while instant coffee (6 fl oz) provides you with 53.7 mg of potassium.
While talking about coffee, how can we not mention Starbucks? Starbucks provides you with a wide range of coffee. But how much potassium does Starbucks coffee include? Most coffee menus at this coffee chain have more sodium than potassium. One can get roughly 12% potassium in a grande nonfat latte.
The potassium levels might increase when milk or other sweeteners are added. We get around 116 mg of potassium in a basic cup of black coffee (8 fl oz).
Potassium Level in Decaf Coffee and Instant Coffee
Decaf Coffee supplies you with about 4.8% DV of potassium. Six fl oz of instant coffee provides 1% DV. We consume many other food items that provide more potassium than coffee. Potatoes, bananas, and peas are some foods which are rich in potassium.
Daily Potassium Limit in Our Diet – How Much Potassium Should You Have?
The requirement of potassium varies in different age groups.
Children aged from 0 to 6 months need an average supply of 400 mg of potassium each day. When kids reach the age group of 9 to 13, the requirement increases to about 2500 mg/ day.
A healthy adult male requires about 3000 mg per day, whereas a healthy adult female needs a lesser 2300 mg each day. The requirements change in the case of pregnant or lactating mothers.
A crucial point should be kept in mind. The amounts mentioned above include potassium that comes from both foods and supplements.
Does Coffee Increase Our Potassium Level?
As we have mentioned before, an average cup of coffee contains 116 mg of potassium. Instant coffee contains even lesser amounts (about 50 mg). Our body needs a lot more potassium than this (around 3000-4000 mg/ day). Hence, coffee is not one of the rich sources of potassium.
But, nothing is healthy when consumed excessively. 2 cups of coffee a day can be considered safe for most people. Whenever the count crosses beyond 2 cups, the potassium levels might get disturbed.
A lot of other food items contain higher potassium levels. Hence, having 3-4 cups of coffee can add to it. Adding to that, when we mix milk and other additives to coffee, the potassium content goes up further.
So, coffee might keep you active for the day. But there must be a check on how much you are consuming!
Potassium Level in Different Additives
Some of the most common additives used in a cup of coffee are milk, cream, honey, sugar, coffee mate, and molasses.
Milk is a rich source of potassium. It is also a very common additive in coffee. One cup or 244 gm of milk provides 366 mg of potassium. Thus, the overall potassium content rises when we add milk to coffee. Also, potassium levels differ in regular dairy milk and other forms like soy milk or almond milk. Soy milk contains around 287 mg.
Creamers also have varying levels of potassium. Usually, it contains more negligible amounts of potassium.
One hundred grams of brown sugar contains 133 mg of potassium. One teaspoon has around 5.6 mg. 1 tbsp molasses (20 g) is rich in 292.8 mg, and 1 tbsp honey has 10.9 mg. Coffee-mate is basically a coffee whitener and contains about 629 mg of potassium.
Benefits of Potassium
Potassium is one of the essential minerals that our body needs. It helps in the proper regulation of nerve signals in the body. When potassium enters the body, it acts as an electrolyte. This mineral is essential for the nervous system. Muscle contractions get regulated by potassium levels too.
In some cases, potassium might help deal with osteoporosis and kidney stones. It also increases bone density.
These points show that potassium is vital for the system.
Disadvantages of Potassium
Potassium is indeed vital, but at the same time, it also has some side effects on the body. A sudden increase in potassium intake through foods might result in bloating and constipation. Thus, one should increase fluid intake too.
Some side effects of potassium supplements include diarrhea, bloating, nausea. Excessive amounts of potassium can lead to cardiac issues as well. It is also said that people with kidney and heart issues should avoid high potassium intake.
Hyperkalemia
High potassium levels in the blood lead to hyperkalemia. This condition often results in chest pain and breathing issues. One should opt for medical help to deal with it. Also, a high potassium level is not necessarily a reason for any underlying disease.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a condition that happens due to a deficiency of potassium in the body. This condition can be fatal if the potassium level drops significantly and requires immediate medical attention. The most common symptoms of hypokalemia are weakness, abnormal heartbeats, and muscle cramps.
Other Health Risks for Coffee Drinkers
Another potential health risk associated with coffee consumption is kidney disease. While some studies have suggested that drinking large amounts of coffee may increase the risk of kidney disease, others have found no significant association between coffee consumption and kidney function. As with blood pressure, moderation is key when it comes to coffee consumption and kidney health.
Other potential health risks associated with coffee consumption include insomnia, anxiety, and digestive problems. However, it is important to note that these risks are typically only associated with excessive coffee consumption. In moderation, coffee can actually have a number of health benefits, including improved cognitive function, increased alertness, and reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
Overall, while there are some potential health risks associated with drinking coffee, these risks can typically be mitigated by consuming coffee in moderation and being aware of any preexisting health conditions that may be impacted by caffeine consumption. As with any dietary choice, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the impact of coffee on your health.
Conclusion
Potassium is an essential mineral, but we do not need it in large quantities, unlike macronutrients. We hope, by now, you have a clear idea of how much potassium is present in different kinds of coffee. This way, one can regulate the intake of coffee as per their potassium requirement.
Ah, yes! Also, since coffee is not a very good source of potassium, having a cup or two should be safe. Whether you’re at Starbucks, McDonald’s or any coffee shop, your cup of joe will have some potassium.