Banana Nutrition From Bananas

The Banana

Banana Nutrition is derived from the banana, one of the most popular tropical fruits today. It is grown in the tropics but is consumed by people throughout the world.

There are many varieties today and the color of its skin ranges from yellow to green to red. The inside, the edible part, ranges from white to a deep yellow or yellowish orange. As a general guide, the more colorful a fruit or vegetable, the more phytonutrients it has. So, you may want to choose bananas that are yellow or yellowish orange over those that are white.

The size varies greatly. Some can be slightly bigger than a finger while others can be so big you can't even finish one. The texture varies too.

It is an excellent source of energy. That's why it is so popular with athletes. But it is much.... more than just a source of energy. It has numerous nutrients and health benefits too.

Banana Nutrition: Its Nutrients and Health Benefits

The main nutrients of the banana are:-

• Carbohydrates
• Sugar
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Calcium
• Fiber

It also contains some iron, copper and magnesium.

A medium size banana contains about 420 mg of potassium, an essential mineral for the heart and the control of blood pressure. People who consume more salt in their food should take food rich in potassium. Other fruits rich in potassium are the avocado, dates, guava, kiwi fruit, pomegranate and coconut water.

The fruit contains a high level of the B vitamins It contains B6 which is essential in the manufacture of red blood cells.It is also essential for cardiovascular health.

It contains a high level of iron which aids in boosting the hemoglobin level. Therefore, it is good for those with anemia.

It contains the natural mood enhancer tryptophan. It is , therefore, good for everyone, not only those who suffer from depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

It is a natural antacid. It protects a person from stomach ulcers.

It contains pectin, a soluble fiber which helps ease constipation. This may come as a surprise - fiber is also good for the heart as well as those who are diabetic.

Lastly, it contains good carbohydrates (as opposed to refined rice or bread) and sugar for energy. For those who are concerned about their sugar level, try bananas that are just about to ripen as the glycemic index is lower. This means that after digestion, sugar is released into the blood stream at a slower rate and, hence, will not spike the sugar level.

How to enjoy the fruit

(1) It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as a meal as bananas are filling and ease hunger.
(2) It is a convenient and nutritious item for lunch at the office or school. 

(3) Alternatively, you can choose to indulge in an exotic banana dessert.

Note: Remember, taking it in its natural form is always better than cooking it.

Do include it regularly in your diet. It can be used as a substitute for carbohydrates or you may just want to snack on it. It makes a fine healthy snack. For those who are on a diet, the fruit has a substantial number of calories from its carbohydrates and sugar content but it is in its good, natural form. For those who are diabetic, it is advisable for restrict your consumption of bananas. You may want to know the calories in a banana.

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Go to Calories In A Banana page from Banana Nutrition page.