Bananas really are an 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 young, old, big or small, 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 convenient the banana is.
We often take fruit with us to functions - the banana lasts the distance 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 actually 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 pantothenic acid, niacin, copper, thiamin, vitamin's A, B and C, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium 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 diminish nutrient value.
Calories Banana
People often ask - 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 quickly and easily than calories from fat or protein. Bananas are an excellent food for weight loss.
No other fruit comprises more digestible carbohydrates than bananas.
Bananas are a rapid 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 high in carbs. Carbohydrates top up the natural fuel used by muscles in sport. The banana is the choice fruit of many active people. They are easy to eat, high in carbohydates and help you to perform in your sport.
Vitamins in Banana
Bananas are high in potassium. From a muscle building perspective, your nerves need potassium to let your muscles know 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 hypertension and stroke.
Bananas 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.
In reality bananas are the best fruit origin of vitamin B6.