You may have heard some reports that say bananas make you gain weight, while others say that bananas are beneficial for weight loss. Who is right and what do you need to know if you’re counting calories? Those who warn against eating bananas for fear of weight gain are looking at carbohydrate content, particularly sugar. Bananas are fairly high in sugar which can turn to body fat more quickly than other nutrients. Another reason bananas get a bad rap is that their calorie count is higher than many other fruits. Those in the pro-banana camp say the neatly packaged fruit has the perfect amount of carbohydrates and calories for a satisfying and healthy snack choice. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. No one food is responsible for weight loss or weight gain. Instead, consider your overall daily nutrient intake. Weight loss occurs when you create a calorie deficit, either through consuming less calories, burning more calories, or a combination of both. Bananas have calories, and calories are calories no matter the source.
There’s a very good reason you receive a banana at the finish line of pretty much every race. They are also high in fiber, but low in calories. Sign Up. They act like soluble fiber in the body and have lots of potential health benefits. In the study, mice with lower-potassium diet had harder arteries than mice consuming a normal amount of potassium. The Conversation 0 Start a conversation, not a fire. But in general use, “banana” refers to the sweeter form of the fruit, which is often eaten uncooked, while “plantain” refers to a starchier fruit that is often cooked before eating.
Bananas are one of the world’s most appealing fruits. Global banana exports reached about 18 million tons in , according to the United Nations. In the United States, each person eats Department of Agriculture, making it Americans’ favorite fresh fruit. A wide variety of health benefits are associated with the curvy yellow fruit. Bananas are high in potassium and pectin, a form of fiber, said Laura Flores, a San Diego-based nutritionist. They can also be a good way to get magnesium and vitamins C and B6. A meta-analysis published by Prilozi Section of Medical Sciences suggested that unripe green bananas offer some health benefits.