Banana

Rich in potassium, bananas are a great snack any time of day

banana The banana, a fruit packed with potassium, is the world’s most popular fruit. Native to the jungles of Malaysia, the banana quickly travelled throughout the known world, and was grown in India more than 2,500 years ago. Alexander the Great fell in love with this nutritious fruit, bringing it to the Western world where it has remained a staple to this day.
As a tropical fruit, it is difficult to grow the banana in regions which are not supported by hot, wet climates. For this reason, the banana has in many ways shaped the political landscape of sub-tropical countries; hence the name Banana Republic.

Key Nutrients

Banana contains a high amount of potassium, fiber and vitamin B6. Bananas also contain a high amount of vitamin C.

Health Benefits

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 helps to keep your immune system in good working order. It aids in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids while helping to maintain the health of lymph nodes. Additionally, vitamin B6 helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

Potassium – Potassium is an essential mineral which aids in fluid regulation, protein synthesis and cardiovascular health. High levels of potassium are associated with reduced risk for stroke, improved blood pressure control as well as bone health.

Vitamin C – Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infections and scavenges harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to prevent respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer. Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure, and therefore lessen the probability of hypertension.

Season

Bananas ripen year round, making them available during every season and month of the year.

Nutrition Information

Per 1 Medium Banana (118 grams):

Calories (cKal): 105
Protein (grams): 1.29
Total Fat (grams): .45
Carbohydrates (grams): 26.96
Fiber (grams): 3.04

Buying and Storing

When buying bananas, make sure they are not overly brown on the outside. Depending on the outer color of the fruit, a banana can store for a varying amount of time. Yellow bananas, near the fully ripened stage, should be consumed within a day or two. If the banana is rather green, you can store the banana on your countertop of up to five days.