|
The banana is a fruit that comes from an herbaceous plant. The name banana is given to what is actually the soft type of fruit which grows in most tropical countries. The soft fruit has a thick skin and is sweet and of squishy consistency. Bananas easily oxidize when unpeeled. India is the world’s largest producer of bananas followed by China and the Philippines.
There are a few different types of bananas which can differ by appearance. Bananas may be yellow, green or reddish in color and vary between full size bananas, about 6-10 inches long and mini bananas about 3-5 inches long. Bananas contain several useful vitamins and minerals.
They are particularly renowned for their potassium content. Other minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorous and magnesium are also found in this fruit. Looking at Vitamin content, bananas are full of vitamin C as well as vitamins A and B.
Bananas also contain between 90 and 125 calories per 100 gram of fruit depending on variety and quality of the fruit. Folic acid, riboflavin and niacin are also found in banana fruits. Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates.
See how bananas and diabetes are related Bananas can be extremely useful in a good and healthy diet. Potassium is one of the most prevalent minerals in the human body and a single banana fruit can provide you with up to 25% of your daily requirement of potassium. The daily potassium requirement is about 2400 milligrams. Some bananas may contain less potassium around 12-18% of your daily requirement. Around 10-12% of your daily requirement of magnesium is provided for by bananas.
Potassium intake is linked to better blood pressure management and better heart functioning. Other benefits of potassium include the reduced chances of stroke, healthy kidneys and healthy brain and muscle tissue. Cramping and muscle weakness may be caused by potassium deficiency. For this reason, bananas may be consumed by sportsmen during a time out or a break in a game to recharge their systems. Magnesium helps to prevent problems with brittle bones and many heart related diseases.
Bananas are good for a healthy diet. They provide energy to you but most of the energy comes from non fat sources. A banana is likely to make you feel fuller than a chocolate bar but provides you less fat and more energy along with vital vitamins and minerals. Because of the dietary fiber, bananas also help ease the digestive process.
|