Banana Nutrition: Facts and Health Benefits
Banana nutrition is great for health. India is the largest producer of bananas, hosting about more than 20 varieties, majority of which is of cavendish cultivars. Bananas are full of nutrition and is one of the healthiest and most commonly available fruits. It is rich in fibre and potassium. Having one full banana can fulfill 10% of your daily fibre and potassium requirements. Increased intake of potassium is beneficial in reducing the effect of sodium on blood pressure hence maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. This ultimately reduces the risk of all cardiovascular diseases. The high content of potassium in banana helps in reducing the kidney stones.
High fibre content of bananas are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer. Pectin is one of the soluble fibres in bananas that help is lowering down the blood cholesterol level. High fibre intake is also associated with reduced body weight. The soluble fibre of banana slows down the process of digestion, making you full for longer hour. It is good to have bananas early in the morning.
Banana Nutrition Facts
Banana is a great source of a lot of minerals and vitamins. Bananas stores a large variety of nutrients and are good for heart, kidney, bones, eyes, immune system, increasing testosterone levels in men and even uplifting your mood.
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5mg | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 81 iu | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 0 | 0 |
| Magnesium | 34mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 1% |
| Zinc | 150 mcg | |
| Dietary Fibre | 2.6 g | 10% |
| Potassium | 360g | 10% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Total Fats | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 12g | 33% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23g | 7% |
Calories, Carbs and Proteins in Banana
A 100gm of banana may contain approximately 90 calories, 23gm of carbohydrates and approximately 1.09 gms of protein. Banana is not considered as a very good source of protein but it goes well with all your whey protein shakes.
Bananas benefits for healthy hair and skin
The banana nutrition is good for your health as well as for hair and skin. The potassium in banana is helpful in thickening of hair, making it soft and shiny. It moisturizes your scalp, keeping your hair dandruff free. Bananas are boon for skin as well. Bananas are considered as natural botox, reduces the puffiness of eyes. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the redness of acne. Bananas contains zinc and lectin, both these help in fighting off acne causing bacteria.
Bananas are natural Testosterone Boosters
Low testosterone level in men can be a mood spoiler and may also reduce confidence levels in men. Bananas are rich in B vitamin. Riboflavin or Vitamin B6 is considered to be essential for creation of testosterone. Bananas also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which boosts men’s libido. Eating two bananas every morning may maintain a good testosterone as well as high energy level.
Bananas During Pregnancy
Banana nutrition have several positive health benefits for both the mother and the child. The nutrient and folic acid rich bananas are extremely healthy for the development of babies’ brain and spinal cord. It is safe to consume bananas in moderation during pregnancy but it is always advisable to consult your gyno in case you have any pre existing complications.
Banana essentially is a wonderful tropical fruit that are widely grown in more than 100 countries around the globe. Due to its immense health benefits and easily availability it is one of the most popular fruits.
