The banana really is one amazing fruit. Where else do you find an ingenious package of vitamins and minerals, packed together to taste so good, and sealed in its own peel?
The banana has been called "the fruit of the wise". With all the minerals and vitamins in them that our bodies need, it only seems logical to make them a regular part of our diet.
If you have had the privilege of raising children - here is a food they all seem to eat. Whoppee!
Whether you are big, small, young or old, bananas make a tasty and healthy part of our daily food.
Banana Nutrients
One of the key benefits of banana being included in our diet definitely involves the banana nutrients. There are other benefits to add to those though. Look at how handy the banana is.
We often take fruit with us to events - the banana lasts the journey much better than most other fruit. It is extremely easy to eat, no matter where you are.
The banana tastes nice. They are also an affordable fruit. As our economic times get tougher, a factor to bear in mind.
Nutritional Value of a Banana
The nutritional value of a banana isn't as recognized as I first thought. In fact, there are some myths about concerning the banana so lets get to the facts.
There is a belief by some people that banana causes constipation. Bananas are in reality high in fiber, and at the same time as making them good for your cardiovascular health, fiber actually also helps deter constipation. And, fiber keeps your intestines healthy.
Bananas contain potassium, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin's A,B and C, thiamin, niacin, copper, pantothenic acid and zinc.
A banana is cholesterol free.
The way a banana is prepared is extremely important to the banana nutrient value. Drying and cooking can reduce nutrient value.
Banana Calories
One question people have is - how many calories are in a banana?
That largely depends on the size of the banana. A fresh, raw, medium sized banana is around the 100 calories mark (weight for weight, about the same as cottage cheese). A larger banana may have up around 135 calories.
There are other things to consider with bananas though. Bananas derive nearly 92% of their calories from carbohydrates, around 4% of their calories from protein, and 4% from fats.
A banana is satisfying and is ideal for children's morning break or an after school energy boost.
Banana Carbs
When on a low carbohydrate diet in an effort to burn fat, you need to consider the carbohydrates in addition to how many calories are in a banana.
The body uses up calories from carbs more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein. Bananas are a first rate food for weight loss.
No other fruit contains more digestible carbohydrates than bananas.
Bananas are a quick and easy source of carbohydrates which is needed to provide energy for muscles and the brain.
What are the best food options before sport? Food that is rich in carbs. Carbohydrates top up the natural fuel used by muscles in sport. The banana is the favourite fruit of many active people. They are easy to eat, high in carbohydates and help you to achieve in your sport.
Vitamins in Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium. From a muscle building view, your nerves need potassium to tell your muscles what to do. This is significant to the weight trainer to build muscle. A diet high in potassium is also said to reduce the risk of stroke and hypertension.
Bannanas contain pectin and malic acid. They are refreshing when eaten raw.
The vitamin B6 in bananas aids in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system apart from red blood formation, protein metabolism and functioning of the central nervous system.
Actually bananas are the best fruit source of vitamin B6.