Banana Carbs

I want to gain weight, I have heard banana gives lot of carbohydrates. Is it true?
(November 16, 2010)

Banana Carbs

Carbohydrates are required by the body as they are the fuel and energy source of the body required to perform the various bodily functions efficiently and effectively. On account of its nutritional value, the carbs in bananas are known to be good carbs as they tend to be excellent for both general heath and even for weight control. Banana carbs and carbs from any other fruits are known to be beneficial for the body because fruits are known to contain fructose that provides the body with energy but is at the same time low on the glycemic index.

Additionally fruits like bananas are also known to provide the individual with minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber and phytochemicals which are essential for the maintenance of good health, control one’s blood sugar levels and also aid digestion. Hence, rather than being concerned about the number of carbs in a banana or any other fruit, one should ensure that one eats plenty of fresh fruits on a daily basis. Many people who tend to follow a low carb diet as they are keen on losing weight tend to refrain from eating bananas.


However, they should avoid doing so as bananas are an excellent source of nutrients, fiber and essential vitamins. In fact most dieticians will recommend that bananas be eaten on a daily basis on account of their high nutritional benefits. Whenever people tend to go on a diet they would prefer consuming foods that are low in fat. However these foods may be low in calories and fat content but they also tend to fall short in terms of meeting the individual’s mineral and vitamin requirements as, though they may help the person in losing weight, they do not help the functioning of the body in any way.

Additionally sometimes a person who is exercising and dieting may also tend to overeat when he or she becomes too hungry. Hence it is essential to include fruits like bananas in one’s daily diet as they are known to actually help a person maintain a desirable weight in a healthy manner. Additionally bananas are also rich in Vitamin C which helps in lowering one’s cholesterol levels  and also helps protect the body from flu and cold as it boosts the immune system of the body. Bananas are also known to result in healthy hair and skin in the long run. Besides being a good source of carbs, bananas are also rich in magnesium which aids in keeping the bones strong and healthy.

Carbohydrates, more commonly known as carbs, are the organic compounds that are used by the human body, as a source of energy, in order to function appropriately. Carbs can be divided mainly into two types, simple carbs and complex carbs. Simple carbs are easily digested by the body, which are then stored by the body, in the form of fat, for future use. Complex carbs take more time to digest, after which they get used up by the body much faster. They help the body to remain full for a longer period of time, which in turn reduces the caloric intake in a person. Carbs are usually present in plant based foods, like fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, grains and so on. Meats do not contain carbs.

What are Fruit carbs?

Fruit carbs refer to the amount and the type of carbohydrates that are present in various fruits. Fruit carbs are an excellent way of building up energy, which can be great for exercising in order to lose weight. The carbs that are present in fresh fruits could differ from one piece of fruit to the other, depending on its source and its ripeness. Canned fruit carbs are usually much higher, as compared to fresh fruit carbs, because they contain added sugar. Given below is a list of fruits as the count of fruit carbs and calories present in each piece.

• Apples: 10.5 grams carbs and 44 calories
• Apricots: 6.7 grams carbs and 30 calories
• Avocado: 2 grams carbs and 150 calories
• Whole grapefruit: 23 grams carbs and 100 calories
• Guavas: 4.4 grams carbs and 24 calories
• Kiwis: 8 grams carbs and 34 calories
• Lemons: 3.4 grams carbs and 20 calories
• Mangoes: 9.5 grams carbs and 40 calories
• Melons: 26 grams carbs and 110 calories
• Nectarines: 9 grams carbs and 40 calories
• Oranges: 8.5 10 grams carbs and 35 calories
• Pears: 12 grams carbs and 45 calories
• Peaches: 7 grams carbs and 35 calories
• Plums: 6 grams carbs and 25 calories
• Prunes: 2.2 grams carbs and 9 calories
• Strawberries: 0.6 grams carbs and 2.7 calories
• Tangerine: 6 grams carbs and 26 calories
• Raspberries: 0.2 grams carbs and 1.1 calories
• Pineapples: 12 grams carbs and 50 calories
• Gooseberries: 0.65 grams carbs and 2.6 calories

How many carbs in a banana?

Several health experts advise weight watches against eating bananas, when they are trying to lose weight. This may be because banana calories are not only high, but most of the energy comes from carbohydrates. The total number of banana calories is 162 cal, which contains 39 grams of carbs. However, if only the banana flesh is taken into account, then it contains 108 calories, with 17.5 grams of carbs. Hence, as compared to most other fruits the banana carbs are quite high. However, for those who do not need to lose weight, doctors usually recommend eating bananas regularly, as the content of potassium, magnesium and vitamins are very high, as compared to banana high carbs. However, it is best to consult a health expert before making banana a regular part of any diet.

Most health experts often assess a patient’s medical history and condition, before recommending the fruits that should be eaten daily, based on the amount of fruit carbs that are present in them.