Are Bananas Bad if You Are Trying to Lose Weight?
Banana is a fruit that is easily available, affordable, and versatile. It’s easy and quick to consume and can also be eaten on the go. Bananas can be consumed in several different ways. It can be eaten as it is, dipped in peanut butter or applesauce, like a smoothie with other nuts and fruits, or added to sweet and savory dishes. Bananas may be consumed at any age, right from 6 months of age.
As for weight loss, it is important to have a balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly to effectively lose weight. Foods, such as those that are high in fiber or high in protein, will help feel full longer and reduce food intake. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein into the diet can help lose weight. Bananas are low in fat. A medium-sized banana contains about 105 calories, most of it comes from the carbohydrates in the fruit and the natural sugars. Bananas are a rich source of fiber and a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Bananas have higher calories compared to some other fruits like berries, which has given them a bad reputation for being bad for weight loss. A balanced diet is typically supposed to include 3 to 5 servings of fruit every day. So, bananas can be incorporated into a healthy diet, even if the goal is to lose weight because they are easy to eat, affordable, highly nutritious, relatively filling and make a healthy snack or dessert. Consuming multiple bananas a day can prevent one from eating other foods, hence preventing the consumption of other nutrients and proteins (bananas are low in proteins). Therefore, eating one to two bananas a day is ideal to incorporate as part of a healthy diet.
Potential health benefits of bananas
Bananas are highly nutritious:
- One medium-sized banana contains the following nutrients:
- Potassium: 12% of the RDI (recommended dietary intake)
- Vitamin B6: 20% of the RDI