Banana nutrition and dieting go hand in hand. There is evidence that supports the idea that bananas are beneficial to our health because they are very high in potassium - 4 times the potassium found in potatoes. They are also high in fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. And don't forget, the banana has a handy store of vitamins A, E and C - more than any other fruit.
A banana is a delicious, nutritious, easily-absorbed snack fruit- the banana is among the most commonly eaten fruits in the United States. In some parts of the world, bananas are used as a popular breakfast food or at dinner. In the United States, banana nutrition is a main topic of discussion during the ongoing National Nutritional Education Program (Nnutrain). This nutrition program promotes eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and the emphasis is on the types of foods that provide the most nutrients for daily serving sizes.
Banana contains a surprising amount of calories - more than three times as much as an apple - yet it has only a mild diuretic effect. A banana, unlike an apple, does not have the natural sugar that helps control blood glucose levels. A banana provides almost no carbohydrates, only about five calories per serving, including the sugar. Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and potassium. Nuts and seeds add extra calories. But don't overdo it: One banana is sufficient for a snack.
As part of a balanced, low-calorie diet, a medium banana offers moderate amounts of carbohydrate and protein. That's why a medium banana is a great healthy snack for those watching their weight. If you want to eat the most bananas for your daily serving of banana nutrition, choose a dark orange variety that contains a lot of beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals.
Just as important as banana nutrition facts are potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps regulate nerve and muscle function, and improves your energy. Magnesium helps regulate your blood pressure, and contributes to muscle strength. Magnesium strengthens bones and muscles by stimulating the production of the enzymes that make muscle tissue. Essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium are missing from a typical American diet.
Plantsains are also an excellent choice when it comes to banana nutrition and snack time. Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, plantains are low in calories and fat. You can snack on plantains right along with your morning coffee, and they are an even healthier snack because plantains are grown in many different countries from the Amazon to South America. Choose a tasty plantain containing enough calories and protein to keep you feeling full for several hours.
Folate is another one of those'must have' fruits and vegetables. Your body needs folic acid in order to synthesize the DNA in every cell of your body. Without sufficient folic acid, you could suffer from serious birth defects, retardation, and/or other health issues. The good news about this banana nutrition fact is that you can get folic acid through both spinach and nuts, which means that you don't need to buy extra supplements when you eat plantains.
The final banana nutrition fact that we're going to discuss today is about the nutritional value of medium sized bananas. When you eat bananas, they can provide up to ten times the amount of essential vitamins and minerals found in one medium banana. When you cook these fruits, however, their nutritional value is trimmed down to approximately two percent, so it's important to eat your bananas with plenty of water.