Banana Nutrition Guide

Banana nutrition has always been thought of as high in potassium. In another article I have written, I point out that avocados have more potassium than bananas. In this banana guide I give you banana nutrition and history, so that you know when you eat a banana what it can do for you and what it has done for others in the past.

Banana History

The bananas were once thought to be the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden. They have been labeled “heavenly fruit.” This fruit had its origin through India, Philippines, and Australia. Bananas were brought to Europe in 1516 but only the leaves and bark were used to make a variety of products. After the American Civil War, bananas became popular because of the low cost and availability.

Banana Remedies Guide

Bananas in the past have been used as natural remedies. In Africa and Panama the banana stem juice was used to stop toothaches. In South American this fruit was used to treat peptic and duodenal ulcers. It was thought that bananas neutralized stomach acid, but in fact bananas provide nutrients to the stomach and small intestine lining to strengthen the surface against toxic attacks.

High in fiber, bananas help prevent constipation and provide for good digestion. They contain more fiber than apples and avocados. They have some vitamin C but are higher in potassium. Potassium helps in regulating water balance and blood pressure, lessening the risk of hypertension and stroke. It is needed in nerve communication between the brain and body and is used in heart and kidney function. There is around 450 mg of potassium in bananas.

Banana Nutrition

Bananas contain vitamin B2 and B6. It also contains all 8 essential amino acids. It was found that slightly green or green bananas contain strong anti-mutagenic properties, which decrease your risk of specific cancers.

Bananas are high in sugar with 21 grams per banana. If you are concerned about sugar, eat bananas when they show a little green on the peel. When they have brown spots, they are high in sugar. But when any fruit is slightly green it will be more acidic. One medium banana will have around 116 calories.

You should not eat more than one banana per day. One way to eat them is to prepare a morning smoothies with strawberries, apple juices and other booster additives.