Bananas: The World's Favorite Fruit - Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas (2024)

Bananas are the most popular fruit in the world. This may be a little bit surprising, since they are a tropical fruit that doesn’t grow in most places. They don’t grow in most of the United States, but the average American eats 26 pounds of bananas each year.

Bananas are a fresh fruit that is available all year, so they’re especially valuable in the winter when fresh fruit is less plentiful.

Are bananas nutritious?

Bananas contain no fat, but they have1 gram of protein, 28 grams of carbohydrates (that’s two servings, officially), no added sugar, 3 grams of fiber, and 450 mg potassium. That makes them a good source potassium, an important mineral. They also contain Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, and resistant starch, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

So yes, bananas are nutritious.

Banana recipes

Banana Bread

Bananas: The World's Favorite Fruit - Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas (10)

  • 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2cup butter
  • 3ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1 1⁄4cups whole wheatflour
  • 1 1/2teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cream together sugar and butter. Add mashed banana and beaten eggs. Mix in baking powder. Stir in flour and then nuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, till a knife put into the middle of the loaf comes out clean.

Banana Blender Pancakes

Bananas: The World's Favorite Fruit - Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas (11)

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Whiz the ingredients up in the blender. Heat a skillet or griddle. Spray with nonstick baking spray. Test heat by dropping a few drops of water on the pan — if they sizzle, it’s ready.

Pour batter onto the pan. When bubbles form and pop, pancakes are ready to turn over. Serve with warmed berries.

Bananas: The World's Favorite Fruit - Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas (2024)

FAQs

Is a banana a day too much sugar? ›

A medium banana contains 105 calories and 14 grams of sugar, per the USDA National Nutrient Database. That's less than the amount you'd get from a medium apple and more than you'd get from a cup of diced watermelon.

What is the #1 most consumed fruit in the world? ›

The banana, of course! Over 100 billion bananas are consumed worldwide each year.

Is it okay to eat a banana every day? ›

While there's no blanket rule, sticking to one to two bananas per day shouldn't cause issues for most people. With that said, remember that they are relatively high in carbohydrates, so eating them along with protein or fat is also advisable to support stable energy levels.

Is 4 bananas a day too much? ›

How many bananas a day should you eat? While there's no strict rule, it's best not to eat more than one or two bananas a day. Eating more could lead to weight gain, as they contain both carbohydrates and sugar. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet by including a range of fresh fruits and vegetables.

What two fruits should a diabetic avoid? ›

The worst fruits for people with diabetes include mango, jackfruit, banana, chikku and grapes. These fruits are high in sugar and low in fiber. These are considered the 5 worst fruits for people with diabetes. These fruits contain a lot of sugar.

Will a banana spike my blood sugar? ›

Yellow, or ripe, bananas contain less resistant starch than green bananas, as well as more sugar, which is more quickly absorbed than starch. This means fully ripe bananas have a higher GI and will cause your blood sugar to rise faster than green unripe bananas ( 12 ).

What is the healthiest fruit? ›

The healthiest fruits and their benefits
  1. Lemons. Turning lemons into lemonade can do more than just boost your spirits. ...
  2. Blueberries. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are the special pigments that give them their rich color. ...
  3. Apples. ...
  4. Oranges. ...
  5. Cherries. ...
  6. Pomegranates. ...
  7. Grapefruits.
Sep 15, 2023

What is the king of fruit? ›

Mango, the “King of Fruits,” is an economically important fruit in various parts of the world. In addition to its excellent tropical flavor, mangoes embody nutrition and make eating healthy and delightful sensory experience.

What is the most expensive fruit in the world? ›

Yubari King Melon, with the cost of $30,000/ pair, claims the title of the most expensive fruit in the world.

What is the banana trick to empty bowels? ›

How to Quickly Flush Your Bowels With Bananas. To cause a bowel movement, eat your entire amount of daily calories in bananas for one day. Eat ripe, yellow bananas, and try not to add anything else to them. If you can't do that, try eating a few bananas for breakfast and a banana after dinner.

How many eggs should I eat a day? ›

Eating one to three eggs per day can have several health benefits, but this varies from person to person. At this level of consumption, people can expect minimal changes in their cholesterol levels. It is unclear whether there is an upper limit on how many eggs a person can eat per day.

Is peanut butter good for you? ›

Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Can I eat four eggs a day? ›

The Heart Foundation currently sets no limit for healthy people when it comes to how many eggs you can eat per day. The key is enjoying them, as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Can dogs eat bananas? ›

Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.

Do bananas lower blood pressure? ›

The Bottom Line. Bananas are a nutritious and tasty option for helping lower blood pressure. Loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C, bananas offer several benefits for cardiovascular health. Their potassium content counterbalances sodium intake, promoting blood vessel relaxation.

What fruit is the highest in sugar? ›

Which Fruits Have the Most Sugar?
  • Mangoes. 1/13. Fruit's good for you! ...
  • Grapes. 2/13. A cup of these has about 23 grams sugar. ...
  • Cherries. 3/13. They're sweet, and they have the sugar to show for it: A cup of them has 18 grams. ...
  • Pears. 4/13. ...
  • Watermelon. 5/13. ...
  • Figs. 6/13. ...
  • Bananas. 7/13. ...
  • Less Sugar: Avocados. 8/13.
Sep 25, 2023

Is sugar in bananas fattening? ›

However, some people worry that high sugar fruits like bananas can be fattening. Most fruits contain about 90% carbs, which means they're higher in sugar. Still, fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet because they provide vital nutritional benefits.

Is it OK for a diabetic to eat a banana every day? ›

Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

What fruit is lowest in sugar? ›

Eight low-sugar fruits
  1. Strawberries. Strawberries, like many other berries, are often high in fiber and contain very little sugar. ...
  2. Peaches. Although they taste sweet, a medium sized peach only contains around 13 g of sugar .
  3. Blackberries. ...
  4. Lemons and limes. ...
  5. Honeydew melon. ...
  6. Oranges. ...
  7. Grapefruit. ...
  8. Avocados.

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