Home > Facts > Nutrition Facts > Banana Nutrition Facts

Banana Nutrition Facts

Banana Nutrition Facts
Bananas are a fruit grown on a large plant (tree-like perennial herb) and are actually considered to be a berry. Bananas vary in size, firmness and color but most are long and curved. The flesh inside of the banana peel is soft and rich in starch. The peel of the banana may be brown, purple, red, yellow, or green when ripe. Most banana species are native to Australia or Indomalaya, and were introduced to other parts of the world beginning with Papua New Guinea. Today they are grown in more than 107 countries around the world. Bananas are high in nutrients and offer many health benefits to those who eat them as a part of their regular diet.
Interesting Banana Nutrition Facts:
The scientific name of most bananas grown today is either Musa acuminate or Musa balbisiana.
The name for a bunch of banana is a hand, while a single banana is called a finger.
The banana is actually a berry.
Most bananas sold in grocery stores come from the Cavendish banana plant which is native to Southeast Asia but is grown in other parts of the world today.
Bananas contain 467 grams of potassium which helps protect the cardiovascular system.
The potassium in a banana helps to protect against stroke, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
The potassium in bananas acts as an electrolyte that supplies energy to the body.
The Tryptophan, serotonin, and norepinephrine in bananas help to protect against depression, and promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Bananas contain vitamin B6, which help protect the individual who consumes them from irritability, mood swings and sleeplessness.
Bananas contain fructooligosaccharide which helps to promote the friendly bacteria (probiotics) in the body's digestive system. This substance also helps the body to absorb calcium.
Bananas can help to prevent macular degeneration (vision loss), which is the main type of vision loss in adults as they age.
Bananas are able to help suppress acid in the human digestive tract which can help protect against ulcers and help to alleviate heartburn.
Bananas contain pectin which is a soluble fiber and can help prevent against constipation.
Babies are often fed bananas when they start to eat solid food because they are easy to digest.
Bananas contain approximately 105 calories, and have a low glycemic index which means they don't spike blood sugar.
Bananas contain vitamin B6, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A and iron.
Bananas are popular with endurance athletes because of their blend of vitamins, minerals, and low glycemic index. They help to keep energy levels steady and also help to prevent muscle cramps because of their high level of potassium.
Bananas are picked when still green. The best time to eat a banana is when it is firm but not hard, brightly colored, and not covered in brown spots or bruises.
Banana peels make a great fertilizer for rose plants and rubbing the inside of a banana peel on pimples can help them to heal.
Because most bananas grown today are one type, so if a disease were to strike the particular plant all bananas would disappear from store shelves quickly.


Related Links:
Facts
Nutrition Facts
Animals Facts
Nutrition Facts for Kids
Folic Acid Facts
Plants Facts for Kids