BRIEF INSIGHT:
Bananas come from the plant genus Musa which is cultivated only for food. However there are secondary uses like the production of fibers that are useful, for example, in various textile industries. They are also used for making handicrafts and ornaments etc.
An important fact that should be noted is that ‘banana tree’ is actually a fruit and must be cooked before eating. It is green, red or brown in color and has seeds. It is the staple food of many African people and is entirely different from the regular bananas we consume.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF A BANANA:
For fitness buffs the same old question looms in front of them, ‘how many calories does a banana have?’ The answer to this question is varied and there is no definite value as to how many calories does a banana have. However an average assumption is fairly accurate:
There are about 108 calories in an average banana and around 17 grams of carbohydrates. The calories in a banana come mostly from carbohydrates. The carbohydrate content in bananas comes mainly from simple sugars and starch.
However this does not completely satisfy the looming question ahead of us, ‘how many calories does a banana contain?’ The following data is helpful in estimating the amount of calories ‘a single’ banana contains:
• A medium sized banana with skin: 86 calories
• A large banana with skin: 162 calories
• An average sized banana with skin: 108
• 100 ml of banana milk shake: 140 calories
• One serving of Banana ice cream: 362 calories
It is noticed from the above that a banana on an average banana contains around 110-120 calories. Which is not at all too much as a banana comes loaded with health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF A BANANA:
• Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan which is converted to serotonin in the body which leads to improved moods. Thus bananas help reduce depression (note: if suffering from depression bananas are not the cure, seeking professional help is advised).
• Bananas are moderately high in iron which helps in increasing anemia of the body.
• Bananas are rich in fiber and are extremely helpful in relieving constipation. Surprisingly bananas are also helpful in an upset stomach.
• Bananas are high in potassium which is known to lower blood pressure.
• Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 which is extremely necessary in the body.
CONCLUSION:
As it is being pointed out that bananas are very beneficial to overall health and is not just for fitness buffs but sadly most people don’t know the benefits of bananas and other think whether it will make them fat. Again the question, ‘how many calories does a banana have?’ arises.
Now for all these people the answer is simple. It does not have enough calories to make you fat and is very helpful if your weight conscious. Bananas consist of mainly glucose, fructose and sucrose which make them an ideal source of energy as it gives instant energy to your body as well as prolonged energy release, perfect for physical activity.
Saying all this it can be successfully said that the question, ‘how many calories does a banana have?’ has been resolved. So next time these questions pops up in your head just think about its various benefits and not fret about its calories.