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Comment by TriangleEdge

5 hours ago

Bananas aren't high in potassium. That's a myth. A banana has 450mg and a potato has 650mg.

Bananas have a decent amount of potassium per serving. A lot more than many foods. That’s not a myth.

The only myth is that bananas are a unique source of potassium. A lot of foods have similar or more amounts of potassium per serving or by weight.

Come to think of it, you’re right. It was when he showed up with a big ol’ bag full of potatoes that we knew it was gonna be a serious party.

Adding to that bananas are high in sugar. 12 to 15 grams each

  • Potatoes have almost double the glycemic index of a banana, meaning that the impact on metabolism and insulin production is greater and faster.

Two bananas to a potato (I assume we’re talking something like a russet, not a little red potato?) sounds generous to the potato, if we’re talking volume equivalence.

A potato’s a meal. A banana’s a lightish snack.

Sadly I don’t think French fries have the same effect.

  • Potassium is a chemical element, frying it won't change the potassium level.

    • you can most definitely change the levels of components in a fried food.

      the oil gets 'dirty' from extended use in frying. Why is it dirty? It's not dirt, and it's not oil breakdown (in most cases).

      The oil is drawing components from the food into itself.

      Forget the frying for a second; most fries are parboiled or blanched -- this also leeches material away from the vegetable, this time it leaves with the water used for blanching.

      A french fry is delicious, but it's different than a potato -- even if it's made from one.

    • I don't know about the case of potassium specifically, but in general I thought that the bioavailability of elements can vary with different types of cooking?