Preservatives - Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products https://www.dherbs.com/tag/preservatives/ Buy the best herbal supplements, natural remedies, and herbal remedies from Dherbs. We're the #1 alternative medicine store online. ✓ Visit and shop now! Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:02:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Homemade Peach Jam https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-peach-jam/ Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:27:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=176506

Although it isn't raw vegan, this peach jam helps you preserve one of the best summer fruits! Freeze it and enjoy it all year round!

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Fresh peaches, sweetener, some lemon juice, and a jar…that’s all you need for this beautiful summer creation. This peach jam contains absolutely no preservatives or other chemical ingredients that you can’t pronounce, all of which are in store bought jams. You can gather as many peaches as you can and make a large batch, dividing it into smaller jars that you freeze and later defrost to enjoy throughout the year. Peaches don’t just have to be a summertime fruit to enjoy now that you have this recipe!

Maybe you are fortunate to have a peach tree in your yard. Perhaps you have a connection with a local farmer who has a plethora of peaches that he can’t get rid of fast enough. Whatever your peach source, guard it with your life! Obviously, you can enjoy peaches raw, but they can start to turn on you quickly. To prevent the fruit from going bad, you can make this simple peach jam. Peaches contain a good amount of sweetness, so you don’t need to add too much agave, but you can always adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of the jam.

The reason that you add lemons to the jam is because they contain natural pectin. This will help set the peach jam into the thick consistency that you know and love. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice and consider adding a little lemon zest for added flavor. For the peaches, just wash them, remove the pit, and chop them into smaller pieces. If your peaches do not have any bruises, feel free to leave the peel on. That said, you can always peel your peaches prior to making this jam. We hope you love it as much as we do!

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Avocado Mango Salad With Lime Dressing https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/avocado-mango-salad-with-lime-dressing/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:43:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=176407

A refreshing, slightly spicy, but utterly delicious and tropical avocado mango salad with a highly addictive lime dressing.

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If you are a busy person, time is precious, especially if you regularly run around the house cleaning up after your kids. That is exactly why we love this simple avocado mango salad, because it is easy to meal prep. If you have it prepped and ready to go, all you have to do is dress the salad when you are ready to eat it. Just take it out of the fridge and you have a healthy meal ready to go. That is far better than not having anything and resorting to the closest fast food place to your house, or some packaged snack or meal with excess sodium, preservatives, and sugar.

To make this a successful salad, make sure you gather the right ingredients. You will need the following for your avocado mango salad to shine:

  • Avocados: Naturally, you need avocados for a salad that has avocado in the name. Look for avocados that are ripe, but retain some firmness, as that will provide great texture and flavor.
  • Mangos: Choose ripe mangos because they will burst with a tropical sweetness that balances the other strong and acidic ingredients in this salad.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Not only do cherry tomatoes bring a vibrant color to the salad, but they also supply a wonderfully juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic flavor.
  • Red Onion: Offer a mildly sweet crunch, red onion is a great ingredient that adds a little zing to your salad. Don’t worry about a potent onion flavor because the other ingredients offer a refreshing balance and sweetness.
  • Cilantro: If you are one of those people who thinks that cilantro tastes like soap…better luck next life. We are here for this aromatic and herbal flavor that cilantro brings to the party!
  • Jalapeño: Although optional, we encourage you to include it in this avocado mango salad. Remove the seeds to tame the spice, or leave them in to kick things up a notch!

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Raw Vegan Apricot Sorbet https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/raw-vegan-apricot-sorbet/ Sat, 02 Aug 2025 17:54:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=176402

A purely delicious, refreshing, healthy dessert showcasing one of summer's best produce items. You'll love this apricot sorbet!

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If you look at the ingredient label on a pint or quart of ice cream, you will notice a long list of ingredients, with sugar being high on the list. The more complicated your flavor (think moose tracks, or sea salt caramel with chocolate swirl), the more sugar and ingredients the ice cream has. This apricot sorbet is the opposite of that. Not only is it free of excess sugar, but it also doesn’t contain stabilizers or other preservatives. It is pure, raw vegan goodness!

When life gives you apricots, you make apricot sorbet, because you sure can’t make lemonade out of apricots! Apricots have a slightly tart and sweet flavor profile, but every now and again, you can come across a batch with subpar flavor. Sure, you could dehydrate that batch to make dried apricots, or you could turn the apricots into a magnificent sorbet. We did exactly that because making sorbet is very simple and requires almost none of your time. You simply blend the ingredients together, add them to a freezer-safe container, freezer until firm, and then scoop to enjoy.

From start to finish, this sorbet takes about 10 minutes to prep and blend. Make it a little after lunch and it’ll be ready to enjoy by the time you finish eating dinner. Even though the sorbet is sweetened with maple syrup, it is not overly sweet. The fresh lemon juice brings a zesty acidity, so the sorbet is not overly sweet. It is beautifully creamy and smooth, so make it now while apricots are in season. Get them before they leave supermarket shelves!

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Blueberry Avocado Pudding With Chia Seeds https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/blueberry-avocado-pudding-with-chia-seeds/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:48:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=176395

Add a powerful nutrient-dense punch to your mornings when you indulge in this blueberry avocado pudding with chia seeds.

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Are you ready to indulge in the velvety decadence of this unique, raw vegan blueberry avocado pudding? It’s a treat that’s as nutrient-dense as it is delicious. Crafted with one ripe avocado, refreshing blueberries, and a tablespoon of chia seeds, this breakfast, which doubles as a healthy dessert, will defy your expectations by offering a creamy, luxurious texture without the addition of unnecessary sugars, preservatives, or dairy. Think of this pudding more like a berry-laden, velvety cake, just with a healthier twist and more personality.

Bite into this delicate pudding and you’ll discover an array of health benefits. Blueberries exhibit potent antioxidant activity, meaning they work to fight free radicals, which staves off oxidative stress. Keeping your cells healthy also benefits immune function, and the vitamin C in blueberries contributes to collagen production, which enhances the overall appearance of the skin. Avocados provide heart-healthy, monounsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels and brain health. Meanwhile, chia seeds add a fibrous punch that aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, so you will be less likely to reach for snacks between meals. Instead, this pudding just satisfies your sweet tooth and nourishes the body from the inside out.

Best of all, this pudding is a no-cook, raw vegan masterpiece, so all of those precious nutrients are preserved in their natural state. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or a filling breakfast, this blueberry avocado pudding proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and tempting.

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Homemade Mandarin Orange Popsicles https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-mandarin-orange-popsicles/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:12:31 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=176129

These simple and delicious mandarin popsicles feature refreshing citrus and caramel-like agave, making them the perfect summer desserts.

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“Summer’s here and the time is right…” for enjoying these zesty homemade mandarin popsicles. Sunshine and citrus collide in this raw vegan recipe that is pure icy perfection. Crafted with refreshing mandarins and wonderfully flavorful Meyer lemon juice and zest, these popsicles are like a tropical vacation on a stick Not only are they bright, tangy, and incredibly irresistible, but they also exhibit a natural sweetness from the mandarins and agave nectar that pairs beautifully with the floral notes of Meyer lemon.

Sweetened gently with agave nectar, these popsicles strike a pleasant balance between sweet and tart. Don’t worry, you won’t feel heavy or overwhelmed while enjoying these citrus delights because they don’t feel heavy or cloying. Because raw agave nectar has a smooth, caramel undertone, it beautifully complements the citrus’ vibrancy, making each bite a delightful dance of flavors on the palate. Plus, making these popsicles at home means you’re in control, meaning that you aren’t adding any artificial dyes, sugars, or preservatives. It’s just pure, homemade goodness that will you down and lift your spirits.

So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hanging at the lake, chilling in the backyard, or just craving a sunny pick-me-up treat, these mandarin popsicles are exactly what you need. They’re as easy to make as they are to love! Think of them as frozen bites of citrus sunshine that will transform a boring day into a personal vacation. Grab your ingredients, get blending, and enjoy the icy, tangy magic of summer in every bite.

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How To Make Your Own Fruit Leather https://www.dherbs.com/articles/how-to-make-your-own-fruit-leather/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:26:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=176059

You don’t need artificial dyes and preservatives to enjoy fruit leather. We teach you how to make your own and provide recipes!

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Do you ever want to grab all of the gummy, colorful snacks that are marketed for children and eat them for yourself? Well, we cannot blame you, but you also do not need all of those artificial dyes, preservatives, and other processed ingredients. What if we told you that you could make similar fruit roll-ups to the ones you enjoyed as a child? In fact, you can make healthier versions of those without the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients!

How To Make Fruit Leather

Maybe you have some extra produce that you need to use up, or perhaps you need a healthy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Are you a parent that just wants your kids to enjoy healthy snacks? If any of those things apply to you, fruit leather is the answer. It is very easy to make and you can get creative with the flavors. Although a dehydrator is preferable to make fruit leather, you can also use your oven on the lowest setting. Just keep in mind that most ovens do not go as low as 115 degrees F, which is the temp at which dehydration is acceptable for raw vegans. Anything above that temperature renders the recipe cooked and no longer raw vegan. 

Let’s Get Down To The Basics

The only ingredients that you need to make your own fruit leather are ripe fruit and potentially fruit juice. Let’s go over the steps that you’ll need to take:

  • Prep your fruit: Make sure that you wash your fruit, even the ones that you are going to peel. Peel any fruit with a skin and pit anything that has a central seed. Core any fruit with a large core and boil down anything that is very hard; your blender will do the rest of the work.
  • Sweeteners: There is no need for added sweeteners for most fruit leather recipes. If you feel that the fruit is too tart on its own, you can add some pure maple syrup or raw agave nectar. Add one tablespoon at a time to the blender and taste until it is to your liking. Naturally sweeter fruits like apples and bananas can also be used to sweeten fruit leather. 
  • Gather your tools: You will need a blender, parchment paper or silicone sheets, baking trays (for the oven method), dehydrator sheets for dehydrating, and scissors or a pizza cutter to cut the finished product into strips. 
  • Preservation: You want the fruit leather to last, especially if you make a large batch. You can roll the fruit leather up and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two months. Store in the freezer for even longer by rolling the fruit leather in the parchment paper and keep in a sealed freezer bag. 

Success Tips

If you want your fruit leather to remain a lighter color that is similar to the color of the fruit, you can add fresh lemon juice while blending your fruit. This is a great step if you want to use lighter-colored fruit leathers that contain mango, guava, pineapple, peaches, or apples. Thicken your fruit mixture by adding banana or thin it out by adding a little water or fresh fruit juice. If using harder fruits, such as apples, consider boiling them first before adding them to the blender with your other ingredients. 

After you blend your mixture, spread the mixture on the baking sheet or dehydrator tray until it is about 1/8-1/4-inch thick. If you can see parchment paper through the puree, it is too thin. A good rule of thumb is to spread from the inside to the outside of the tray. The outside will cook quicker than the inside, so that spreading method will help you achieve an even layer. Ideally, use the back of a silicone spatula or spoon to achieve this thin, flat layer. 

When Is It Ready? 

The fruit leather is ready when it isn’t sticky and doesn’t indent when you press on it. It should not have the original shine it did when you put it in the oven or dehydrator. Once the fruit leather is fully dehydrated, it is very easy to peel off the parchment paper and you can easily cut it into strips, especially if parchment paper is underneath. Before you store the fruit leather, make sure it is completely dry to prevent condensation from accumulating in the container. Continue reading for a couple fruit leather recipes. 

Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather

Get your snack on…raw vegan style! With these apple cinnamon fruit leather strips, you get the flavor and nutrition that you don’t get from packaged fruit leathers. Embrace the great combination of apples, cinnamon, and pears!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Mango Fruit Roll-Ups

Looking for a healthy snack to pack in your or your child’s lunch? This is super easy, healthy, affordable, and did we mention easy? Try it today!

Click here to make the recipe.

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These Surprising Foods Contain Artificial Dyes https://www.dherbs.com/articles/these-surprising-foods-contain-artificial-dyes/ Wed, 14 May 2025 09:22:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=175839

Think before you eat! Lots of foods, including some unexpected ones, contain artificial dyes, which U.S. agencies want to ban by 2027.

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Do you regularly eat candy, rainbow-colored cereals, or packaged desserts? Whether you do or not, you may or may not know that the U.S. is making efforts to ban artificial food dyes by the end of 2026. Lots of foods, even the unexpected ones, could take on new colors under the plan from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A Plan To Get Rid Of Artificial Dyes

This plan urges major U.S. food manufacturers to halt the usage of two artificial colorings: Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. It also calls for the manufacturers to voluntarily give up six additional dyes by the end of 2026. Those dyes include:

  • Yellow No. 5
  • Yellow No. 6
  • Blue No. 1
  • Blue No. 2
  • Red No. 40
  • Green No. 3

Too long have major food producers fed American petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent. In fact, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that these poisonous chemicals offer zero nutritional benefits. They also pose serious, measurable threats to the health and development of children. Kennedy Jr. aims to put an end to that era. 

Although nutritionists and researchers agree that artificial food dyes offer no health benefits, the research linking these dyes to potential health risks is limited. Additionally, the existing research has been largely conducted on animals. For this reason, it is hard to say whether artificial dyes are dangerous. What is certain, though, is that these dyes do not improve health. They are replaceable and they are unnecessary and it benefits people to avoid them as much as possible. 

Unexpected Foods That Contain Artificial Dyes

Sure, you know that brightly colored gummy worms have zero nutritional value and they contain artificial dyes. What you may not know is that seemingly wholesome foods may also contain these dyes. We aim to highlight them below. 

Fresh Oranges

Are you shocked, or are you shocked? In the past, the FDA allowed companies to add Citrus Red 2 to the skins or oranges with the intention of making slightly greenish peels appear more orange. The peels of certain oranges may not become bright orange as they ripen, due to local climate conditions. For that reason, the FDA permitted the use of Citrus Red 2 to make the fruit appear more orange and perfectly ripe. 

Smoked Salmon

Fancy a bit of bagels and lox? When you buy salmon, or salmon fillets, the flesh is naturally orange. Well, smoked salmon can get its bright orange color from several dyes on the proposed ban list. Those dyes include Yellow No. 5 and No. 6 and Red No. 40. Some food manufacturers even use all three of those dyes, in addition to others, including Blue No. 1.

Salad Dressings

There are many bottled salad dressings, including French, Italian, and ranch, that may contain artificial dyes. It all depends on the manufacturer. For example, Kraft makes a French dressing that contains Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, while Hidden Valley’s Light Golden Italian Dressing contains Yellow No. 6. There are other dressings that contain Blue No. 1 as well as Yellow No. 5. 

Wasabi Peas

This is not everyone’s go-to snack, but they are highly addictive to a lot of people. They are crunchy and flavorful, but they happen to be vibrantly green, which is cause for concern. For example, Valued Natural Wasabi Peas contain Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1. Oregon Farm Fresh Snacks Willamette Wasabi Mix contains both of those dyes, in addition to Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 6. 

Trail Mix

If you know anything about the content that Dherbs publishes, we always warn people about dried fruit. Most dried fruit contains added sugars, preservatives, and dyes to keep it looking like the fresh version of the fruit. Varieties without added sugars or dyes tend to appear brown or less attractive to consumers. The same can be said for the dried fruit in several varieties of trail mix. For example, CJ’s Trail Mix contains Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Red No. 40. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix sold at Costco contains those same artificial dyes.

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Dehydrated Mangos https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/dehydrated-mangos/ Fri, 02 May 2025 17:33:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=175774

Struggling to find snacking foods during your cleansing experience. These dehydrated mangos will curb those mid-afternoon cravings!

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Snack enthusiasts: this one is for you! This is less so a recipe and more so a tutorial on how to properly dehydrate mangos for healthy snacking. If you have been on the hunt for a super tasty raw vegan snack, you clicked on the right recipe. We’re going to dive deep into the world of dehydrated mangos. Trust us when we tell you that they are soft, chewy snacks that’ll hook your taste buds after the first bite. Plus, you only use mango, so you don’t have to worry about processed ingredients or preservatives that are typically in dried mangos that you find in grocery stores.

Why are mangos perfect for your snacking needs? First off, mangos offer a ton of vitamins, especially vitamin A and C, both of which encourage healthy immune function. They also help improve the appearance of the skin, assisting with collagen production. Mangos also contain a lot of fiber, which benefits digestion and can help keep you feeling full longer. That makes these dried mangos perfect for combatting those mid-afternoon cravings! We cannot forget about the antioxidant properties, which work to combat oxidative stress, a process that ultimately lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Do yourself a favor and make this recipe…like yesterday. Grab some fresh mangos and get started on dehydrating. Just keep in mind that this recipe, like most dehydrator recipes, takes a bit of time. You may need to dehydrate the mangos for 12-14 hours. Just remember that the thinner your mango slices are, the quicker they will dry out. Happy dehydrating and snacking!

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Homemade Macadamia Nut Butter https://www.dherbs.com/recipes/recipe/homemade-macadamia-nut-butter/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:30:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?post_type=recipe&p=173193

Macadamia nut butter is so smooth and creamy and only requires two ingredients! it is both healthy and delicious, and perfect for cleansers.

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Homemade nut butter is just the way to go, folks. You only need two ingredients and a food processor to make a smooth and creamy nut butter that is free of preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients. Unlike store bought brands, this macadamia nut butter is free of palm oil, lectins, peanuts, and added sugars. That means that this nut butter is raw vegan, Whole30-approved, Paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, keto, and sugar-free. The subtle hint of sea salt perfectly complements the robust macadamia nuts.

Is homemade macadamia nut butter better than store bought varieties? While both are great options, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and blend until you reach your desired consistency. Perhaps you enjoy a nut butter that is just between chunky and smooth. Maybe you like nut butter to be velvety smooth, and you can have control over that when you make your own. Plus, homemade macadamia nut butter is nearly identical in price as the store bought version. Depending on which stores you have access to, you may or may not always see macadamia nut butter available. If you find raw macadamia nuts, though, you can transform them into a luxurious butter.

You will need a food processor for this recipe because a blender just won’t cut it. To achieve a smooth nut butter, you will probably have to blend for three to five minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides periodically. Just keep blending, scraping down the sides, and blending again until you achieve a smooth consistency. Once you are satisfied, spoon the butter into a container, seal the lid, and refrigerate. Use when ready.

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How To Raise Potassium Levels When Your Body Needs More https://www.dherbs.com/articles/how-to-raise-potassium-levels-when-your-body-needs-more/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:28:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=173141

If you sweat a lot from exercise, you can lose fluids and electrolytes. That makes it essential to replenish potassium levels. Here’s how!

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Have you ever had sudden, painful cramps that just don’t seem to go away? One potential cause is that you are low in potassium. Low potassium levels can also cause muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle spasms, tingling, or numbness. Heart palpitations or skipped heartbeat can be more severe symptoms of low potassium levels

It’s possible to fight leg cramps and other issues that stem from low potassium levels by simply increasing your potassium intake. The amount of time it takes to correct low potassium levels depends on how low they are. 

Symptoms Of Low Potassium

The only real way to know if your potassium levels are low is to take a blood test. You will get a more accurate reading of your levels via this route. That said, there are a few telltale symptoms of potassium deficiency that you should be aware of. These symptoms include:

  • Muscle cramps, twitching, or severe weakness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Constipation
  • Tingling and numbness

If potassium levels are very low, you may need to take a potassium supplement, or get an IV to elevate them back to a normal range. The quickest way to increase potassium levels in emergency situations is via an IV, which should be administered by a professional in a controlled setting. One report found that an IV can raise potassium levels within 20 to 30 minutes. If you have borderline potassium levels after a sweaty workout, you can use various foods to help bring them back up quickly. Continue reading to learn what foods and drinks may help you do that. 

Sip An Electrolyte Drink

Electrolyte-rich drinks can help replenish minerals, vitamins, and water lost via sweat or periods of diarrhea and vomiting. Not all electrolyte drinks are high in potassium, though. And you should not simply resort to sugary sports drinks to replenish electrolytes, as the preservatives, dyes, and added sugars do more harm than good. Coconut water, for example, is a great electrolyte-rich beverage, but make sure to buy one that is free of added sugars. 

Drink Some Orange Juice

Just as we said previously, the quality of the beverage matters. Many store bought orange juices contain added sugars and preservatives. Go directly to the source by juicing oranges! One cup of orange juice provides nearly 500 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which equates to 11% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Orange juice may be a convenient way to raise potassium levels, but it tends to be high in sugar. You can also eat oranges to get the same nutrients, plus the fiber that will help the body absorb the natural sugars more slowly. You would need to eat two oranges to get the same amount of potassium as one cup of OJ.

Eat A Banana

This is a classic potassium-rich food, so eat a banana or two next time you are dealing with leg cramps. One medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium, and the potassium in bananas can increase levels within 30 to 60 minutes, per a 2012 health journal. In one study, researchers tested whether eating one or two bananas would increase potassium levels in adult athletes prone to leg cramps. Although there were mild increases in potassium levels in both groups after 30 to 60 minutes, the time it took to increase levels would not benefit an athlete experiencing cramps during competition. To avoid cramps, health experts recommend consuming potassium-rich foods regularly, especially before exercise. 

Eat Some Watermelon

Researchers note that one wedge of watermelon has 320 mg of potassium, making it a great choice for raising potassium levels. Watermelon is also a water-rich fruit (91% water), so it helps to enhance your hydration efforts. It is also rich in vitamins A & C, magnesium, and offers some iron and calcium. According to research, eating watermelon after a workout can help replace water, magnesium, and potassium that you lose via sweat. Drinking watermelon juice after a workout has been associated with reduced muscle soreness after 24 hours. 

Consider Supplementation 

If you consume all of the aforementioned items and your potassium levels remain low, you may want to consider a potassium supplement. Before you start supplementing, consult your healthcare professional to determine whether the supplement is right for you, and to understand proper dosage. The potassium you get via diet and what you supplement should not exceed the RDI, unless directed by your doctor.

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