how much calories are in a banana
how much calories are in a banana: Bananas are one of the most popular fruits around the world. They are known for their sweet taste, easy-to-peel skin, and their impressive nutrient profile. One of the most common questions about bananas is how many calories they contain. In this article, we will explore the number of calories in a banana and some other relevant information about this popular fruit.
Calories in a Banana
On average, a medium-sized banana that weighs around 118 grams contains approximately 105 calories. This calorie count may vary slightly depending on the size of the banana. For example, a small banana that weighs around 101 grams contains approximately 90 calories, while a large banana that weighs around 136 grams contains approximately 121 calories.
The calorie content of a banana comes primarily from carbohydrates. Bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which makes up around 3.1 grams of a medium-sized banana. They also contain about 27 grams of carbohydrates, including natural sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose. Bananas are low in fat, with less than half a gram of fat per medium-sized banana.
Banana Nutrition
Apart from providing calories, bananas are also a good source of various essential nutrients. Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, with a medium-sized banana containing around 22% and 17% of the recommended daily intake, respectively. They are also a good source of potassium, with a medium-sized banana containing around 12% of the recommended daily intake.
In addition, bananas contain small amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin A. They also contain antioxidants such as dopamine and catechins, which may help protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Benefits of Eating Bananas
In addition to their nutrient profile, bananas also offer several health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved Digestion: Bananas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Reduced Inflammation: Bananas contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Increased Energy: Bananas are a great source of natural sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which can provide a quick burst of energy.
- Lowered Blood Pressure: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In conclusion, a medium-sized banana contains around 105 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie fruit. Bananas are also an excellent source of various essential nutrients, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. In addition, bananas offer several health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, increased energy, and lowered blood pressure. Therefore, bananas are a healthy and nutritious food that can be enjoyed as a snack or added to meals such as smoothies or oatmeal.