Banana Nutrition Facts

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, fiber and most of the vital vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.

Bananas contain good amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and some vitamin A and vitamin E. And as I said above, they contain significant amounts of fiber, potassium and vitamin B6.
Below are some importnat banana facts:

Banana Facts:

1 medium banana

- Potassium 0.45 grams

- Vitamin B6 0.36 grams

- Vitamin C 0.010 grams

- Phytochemical Allicin

- Fiber 2.5 grams

- Protein 1.5 grams

- Calories: 97

- GI: 50

The GI gets slightly higher as the banana ripens more and more and becomes sweeter.

Also remember that the banana nutrition facts will always change a little depending on the size of the banana.

Medical benefits:

The potassium in the banana is helping the heart stay strong and it is good for the muscles. It also regulates the blood pressure and the water balance in the body.

The vitamin B6 in the banana strengthens the immune system and helps build the neurotransmitters of the brain.

Although garlic and onions are richer in the phytonutrient/phytochemical "allicin", bananas do contain it as well.

The allicin in the banana helps to fight off infection, keep blood pressure at a healthy level or lower it if there is the need to and it also lowers the cholesterol in the body.

Unripe bananas can be used as a cure against constipation - ripe bananas as a cure for diarrhea!

I found an article called "Ulcers To Umbrellas: Uses For Bananas" by Larry Miller. He writes (something I have also heard before) that you can use the inner skin of the banana on irritated skin and on wounds, because it is has an antibacterial and anti fungal effect.

Unripe bananas are greenish-yellow, but how do you know when a banana is ripe?

The small brown spots you see all over the banana tell you it is ripe and ready to eat.

A ripe banana has a little bit more antioxidants than an unripe banana, and it also contains much less starch than an unripe one.

Another banana nutrition fact you might want to know: bananas have a relaxing effect upon our minds and bodies, so it is a great evening snack.

Some more banana fruit info:

The banana fruit is one of the oldest fruits on our planet.

It grows wild in many different varieties in the tropical parts of the world like for example Africa, Central and South America and India. But they also grow in several sub-tropical micro climates throughout the world, like for example in some parts of Spain.

Did you know the taste of the banana resembles breast milk? That's why it makes such a great first baby food.

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References:

Dr Sears. The Family Nutrition Book

Mayo Clinic - Book of alternative Medicine

Larry Miller - http://hubpages.com/hub/Ulcers_To_Umbrellas__Uses_For_Bananas

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