banana

Often you declare that you like or even love these unique fruit, but you have doubts: To eat, or not to eat? Indeed bananas are controversial. They contain healthy ingredients, but they are packed with sugar … Let see the pros and cons to check who should eat bananas and who should avoid it.

First, lets hear from the prosecution:

1. Bananas contains a lot of sugar! One medium-sized banana has 27 grams of carbohydrate ( 14 of them is sugar)
2. They contain small amounts of protein and fat!
3. Bananas have a high glycemic index! Eating a banana has a big impact on blood sugar levels

What the defender will tell us? 

1. Bananas are the first food group with the highest content of potassium. One banana contains 500 mg of potassium .
2. Banana is the electrolyte bomb , because in addition to potassium, it contains 32 mg of magnesium.
3. It is the fruit created for athletes. It helps to quickly restore muscle glycogen stores after intense training .
4. Bananas improve mood , because they contain a lot of tryptophan , which co-creates serotonin.
5. They are a natural source of prebiotics , they stimulate the development of normal intestinal flora
6. They support the formation of digestive enzymes

Prosecutor: 

Bananas are slowing down the weight loss!

Defender:

If we compare the banana with a bowl of oatmeal, we will see that it has a lower glycemic index and contain fewer carbohydrates than our grain cereal, rice or quinoa.

Prosecutor:

Fruits, especially forest frutis, have more antioxidants and are richer in fiber !

The court verdict is that people struggling with extra weight , having trouble stabilizing blood sugar levels and problems with digestion should avoid bananas . In contrast, athletes and all physically active people can and should eat bananas . 🙂

photo: Marta Wojtal

Bananas before  running  ? Why not – have a little bite , because it contains a lot of potassium , has dietary fiber , contains magnesium , and most importantly – it is real food , unprocessed ! If you are trying banana after a longer absence in your diet , start from the meals with warm bananas – stewed in a pan with clarified butter , or baked in the oven. It will be easier to digest .