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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Calories >>  banana calories

Banana Calories -

The banana tree is a yearlong fruit producing tree that is found in tropical regions around the world. The fruit from the banana tree is known as a banana. A banana is sweet with a firm texture. The major advantage of this fruit is that it has its own covering that is capable of affording it protection from outside elements. The peel of the banana fruit is easily removed by hand and can be disposed of after the flesh of the fruit has been consumed.

Open bananas, like most fruits, oxidize easily which is why an open banana fruit should be consumed as soon as possible. This also explains why the tip of the banana may be oxidized. In most cases, the tip is exposed for some reason or the other, usually due to manhandling of the fruit. Banana fruits are formed in bunches that are a part of a larger collection of fruits. A single collection of fruits on a tree may yield upwards of 100 bananas.

There are some different types of bananas in the market these days. Green and yellow varieties of this fruit exist. There are also smaller and larger varieties of this fruit. Therefore the banana nutrition facts will differ from fruit to fruit. However, for arguments sake, we shall assume that the bananas are of a normal shape and size without being too big or too small.


Bananas are now sold across the world and are used in a variety of ways. Bananas may be used in desserts or even in main courses. In some cultures, chips are produced from the banana fruit after being fried in oil. When one looks at the banana nutrition facts, it becomes immediately clear that this fruit is one of the best fruits that an individual can consume. The banana nutrition facts show that a single normal sized banana contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6 and C, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber. A single banana fruit can provide the individual with between 10 and 35 % of the daily requirement of these nutrients. Naturally, there are variations based on the different types of banana plants available in the market. There are around 100 calories in a banana. This value refers to the medium banana calories. Larger bananas will have higher calories and smaller bananas will have lower calories.


The banana potassium content is one of its greatest strengths. Potassium is known to reduce blood pressure and is extremely important for individuals who have high blood pressure problems. Bananas contain one of the largest naturally available servings of potassium. An individual suffering from high blood pressure will experience significantly improved health if he or she consumes a banana or two daily. Sodium is known to raise blood pressure. Bananas barely contain a trace amount of sodium in them and the banana potassium content is more than 400 times as concentrated as that of sodium in the banana. The reduction of blood pressure is a great benefit of bananas which helps the individual boost his or her quality of health. The heart may be able to relax a little bit more and this will help to remove the strain associated with high blood pressure.


Banana fiber is very useful for the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Bananas boost digestion in two distinct ways. Firstly, the fleshy nature of the banana tends to be soothing for the lining of the digestive system. Individuals who suffer from stomach ulcers and from stomach acidity have noted that the consumption of bananas helps their condition tremendously. Banana fiber also helps with the process of digestion as it helps to move the food smoothly through the digestive system. Banana fiber therefore also improves the process of defecation by ensuring that there is a good amount of bulk in the digestive tract because of the banana fiber.


Another benefit of bananas is the fact that this fruit tends to help with the generation of probiotic bacteria in the stomach. Probiotic bacteria are needed for good digestion as they help to break down the food that is consumed by the individual. Bananas promote the production of healthy bacteria that help in this process. Thus, individuals who have suffered from digestive disorders and have taken medication should consume bananas. This will help them regenerate the flora of their digestive system. These good bacteria are extremely essential for the process of digestion. When the digestive system is filled with the right kind of flora, it tends to function more efficiently. Therefore, it can be said that bananas tend to promote the efficient absorption of nutrients in the body.


From all these above health benefits, it can be understood why bananas are so popular. This information should also prompt one to adopt bananas as a part of the daily diet. Bananas are typically inexpensive when compared with other fruits. The consumption of bananas takes no longer than a couple of minutes and should be regularly added to the diet consumed by an individual. This fruit is of particular use to those individuals who suffer from digestive distress and who need assistance in fighting these digestive distress related problems.


The banana calories supply the individual with about 8-12 % of the daily requirement of calories. This is the amount of calories that is found in one banana fruit. This is quite a significant serving of calories which is why bananas tend to be used by sports persons in the middle of sporting events. The fruit is easily digestible and can give a calorie boost to the individual during times of trouble when extra energy may be needed. Banana calories are considered to be extremely healthy because the come with so many other nutrients provided in the banana plant. For this reason, bananas should be used for individuals who are tired and need an energy boost. Bananas will also boost other aspects of their health which is an added bonus to the important requirements served by a banana.

Submitted on January 16, 2014