Bananas Nutritional Facts and Things You Didn't Know
73Bananas
Banana Nutritional Facts
Banana nutritional facts prove they are probably the most perfect fruit for people and many animals. Bananas are actually berries from a botanical perspective, as they grow from a single ovary, plus they don’t actually grow on trees, but are a large herb. Approximately 98% of the bananas in the world come from third world countries. New statistics show India is the largest producer of bananas, with Brazil and Ecuador coming in second and third in 2011. Interestingly enough, bananas grow in Iceland. This is possible because Iceland has so much geothermic energy due to all the volcanoes which act like greenhouses and homes are also heated with this energy.
Bluenecked Tansger Bird
Orangatan of Sumatra
Bananas are Radioactive
In addition, bananas are radioactive but it isn't harmful as we are exposed daily to low levels of radiation. The reason they are radioactive is primarily due to their potassium. Other foods that are radioactive include potatoes, nuts (particularly Brazil nuts), and kidney beans. Animals that eat bananas can see in the ultraviolet range of the spectrum so they immediately know which banana to choose to eat before they become inedible.
There are many animals that eat bananas and, of course, monkeys are the first ones most people think of first but that includes very small monkey up to gorillas. Some wild birds, squirrels, sloughs and dogs also like bananas. Generally speaking many animals of the rainforest eat bananas regularly.
Hungry Monkey
Jacksonville "Top Banana City"
Dole has named Jacksonville, Florida the “Top Banana City” for 2011. Dole is the largest producers of bananas, and it is a favorite fruit being found in 96% of American homes. Doles’ PR campaign is to let people know you don’t just eat bananas for breakfast and lunch, but there are many great things you can do will bananas on a grill.
Bananas Foster On My Weber Grill
Earn Money, Make Friends and Have Fun by Writing on Hubpages-- Sign up Today!
Africa Banana Beer
African Banana Beer
In Africa they like banana beer and this is the process for making the beer:
- Peel ripe bananas and juice
- Mix with sorghum or millet flour and ferment to create an orange alcoholic drink
There is also a Wells Banana Bread Beer brewed in London with an alcoholic content of 5.2%.
Banana History
Bananas were first grown in the third century B.C. in the Indo-Malaysian region. They didn't arrive in Europe until the 10th century.
A cluster of bananas is officially called a “hand” and each banana is called a “finger, which probably means the word banana is derived from an Arabic word “banana” which means finger or fingertips.
The Ultimate Dessert
Nutrition Information about Bananas
If a banana is about 8” long, the calories in bananas are about 105.
The nutrient facts are as follows:
- Protein 1.29 g
- Carbohydrates 26.95
- Fiber 3.1 g
- Sugars 14.43 g
- Total fat 0.39 g
- Calcium 6.0 mg
- Iron 0.31 mg
- Magnesium 32 mg
- Phosphorus 25 mg
- Potassium 422 mg
- Sodium 1 mg
- Zinc .18 mg
- Vitamin C 10.3 mg
- Folate 24 mcg
- Vitamin A 76 IU
- Vitamin E 0.12 mg
- Vitamin K 0.6 mcg
- Phytosterols 19 mg
- Beta Carotene 31 mcg
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin 26 mcg
What Bananas Can do for You
- Banana is one of the favorite fruits for many people because it can lift depression and Europeans often call it a happy fruit. Bananas contain folic acid that can help the brain produce 5-HT, which helps dispel irritable emotions and pessimism.
- It is a good fruit to help girls lose weight, since it is rich in nutrition and low in calories.
- Since bananas are packed with vitamins, they can help prevent heart disease and lower high blood pressure.
- Due to the fiber-pectin contained in bananas will also help treat constipation.
- The peel of a banana contains material which can inhibit the growth and proliferation of the fungus and bacteria; therefore, it will help relieve athletics foot and other diseases.
- They are also an effective treatment for insomnia or emotional stress due to the protein and amino acids which calm the nerves. Try eating one close to bedtime.
Banana Pudding
Delicious Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
- 3 boxes, 1 large, 2 small vanilla pudding
- 4 cups of milk
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 8 oz. Cool Whip (or a little more)
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 6-7 bananas
Directions for this easy recipe:
Mix pudding and milk. Beat 2 minutes. Add sour cream and Cool whip. Use a 9”x13”pan. Layer vanilla wafers, bananas (sliced small) and half of the pudding. Repeat layers. Garnish with 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers on top.
Banana Bread
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 c butter (margarine) 1/2 c broken nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1 1/2 c sugar 3 eggs
- 1 cup smashed banana 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 c. buttermilk
Directions:
- Add soda to buttermilk in small container, then stir buttermilk before adding to mixture.
- Cream butter and sugar till fluffy; add eggs one at a time, beating after each. (The recipe actually says sieved bananas but I just mash them up.)
- Add banana,
- Add sifted dry ingredients.
- Then add buttermilk and lemon.
- Add nuts.
- Bake in 2” 7” greased loaf pans at 350° for 40 minutes.
I find it takes longer most of the time, so I use a tooth pick in the center which should come out clean if the bread is done.
Summary
Bananas are obviously one of the healthiest choices of food you can eat. The many positive effects of bananas is due to the high nutrition. They are reasonably priced and most people like them. Children are usually very good about eating bananas also. There are numerous wonderful recipes for bananas as well.
The copyright to this article is owned by Pamela Oglesby. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (17)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (10)
- Beautiful (4)
- Interesting (16)
CommentsLoading...
what saddlerider1 just said..........I think he says it all...I am right there with him.
Great Hub! Interesting and useful...
Whoa! I didn't know bananas were radioactive! It's been quite an useful reading, aaaand I think I will try to bake banana bread one of these days :)
Awesome! I was literally sipping on a banana/almond smoothie while reading this hub. Very interesting. Thanks!
Very interesting hub, Pamela, and I do have something to share. I'm not really crazy about bananas (That banana split sure looked good, though.) Anyway I used to eat them just for the potassium (422mg, wow!) but I never ate a lot, until about a year ago, at a physical, my doctor said my potassium was really high and he asked if I ate bananas. I said yes, and he said to quit. This really surprised me but I did quit and have noticed no ill effects. I'll be interested to know what my potassium level is next physical.
Made me look at bananas in a whole new light since it is not one of my favorite fruits. I'm quite a convert by now, with your interesting facts. Didn't know it's a berry and that they made beer out of it. Enjoyed it and rated up.
saddlerider, I keep bananas in the house all the time also. I appreciate your enthusiastic comments.
CMerrit, Thanks so much for your comments.
giselemendez, The banana bread is delicious and we love to eat it warm out of the oven. Thanks for your comment.
writerlee, That funny! Thanks for your comment.
SubRon, My mother is just the opposite and has to eat bananas and drink orange juice to keep her potassium. People with kidney problems can't eat bananas because of the potassium but your doctor would have told you if that was the case. Thank you so much for your comment.
Anginwu, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. I appreciate your comments.
I can't believe, Pamela, how banana-challenged I was before reading your educational banana-flavored hub. Thank you for bringing me out of the dark into a banana-lit world. Rated up, m'dear.
drbj, It was my pleasure to enlighten you on bananas and I certainly appreciate your comments.
Now I know why I crave bananas all the time, because they make me feel good. I decided never to take antidepressants again a few years ago, due to nasty side effects and intolerance to the sluggishness. When I buy bananas I always have wondered why there are always an odd number of seven in a bunch- one for every day. It is also the least expensive fruit you can buy in the store as well. The only problem with the little tiny bananas that they sell (they are so cute) is that you can't eat just one. So I will stick to the average size ones.
I do have one question. When is the best time to eat a banana in regards to its ripeness? I prefer to eat them when they are bright yellow as soon as the green goes away, and I have been told that a yellow banana is not ripe at all, and I prefer not to eat a banana that has turned brown from speckles.
I like bananas with dark choc for breakfast. Like CMCastro, I like mine before the dark specks show up. The Banana Foster sounds interesting, but I'm not sure....
Anyway thanks for the recipes.
Seems like the possibilities with bananas is endless. Great hub.
That was a lot to digest in one sitting. BURP! Excuse me please, bananas give me gas. LOL
The Frog
CMCastro, I think the time to eat bananas is when they turn yellow, as the brown spots indicate that they are old and if they are to green the mayor not completely ripe. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
Hanna, My son eats a banana and drinks chocolate milk every morning and he's an adult. It sounds like a healthy breakfast to me. Thank you for your comments
Hennie, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
Frog Prince, I guess that might have something to do with that laxative effect but they're still good for you. Thank you for your comments.
Very good banana hub! I like bananas. I am curious about the banana beer. There are so many recipes for bananas, I especially like the banana chocolate mousse, very tasty.
HAHA, Reading these comments cracks me up, but really i do eat a banana everyday. I love them and it's good to know of all the benefits. Thank you.
Cheers
I was allergic to milk when I was a baby so the doctor told my mother go feed me mashed bananas! Very nice Hub, Pam.
Love the bananas foster on the grill picture! I would love to make it at home some day! My two boys eat bananas every day -- to prevent leg cramps. They both play football -- and are out in the sun for hours and hours. The coaches say best food!!
I love banana. Though I had wrote hub about banana, but this hub more educated and contain delicious recipes. I always enjoy all your hubs, including this one. I never doubt about banana and this fruit so useful for us. But African banana beers is new for me. Well done, Pam. You got my vote. Have a nice day. Cheers..
Prasetio
Cardisa, I agree there are a lot of great recipes for bananas. Banana chocolate mousse sounds delicious. I appreciate your comments.
always exploring,I eat a banana every day also. Thanks so much for your comments.
SusieQ32, That sounds like a healthy choice for baby they can dream milk and I remember my children love bananas when they were little. I appreciate your comments.
Sally,I'm glad you brought that up as bananas are important to prevent cramps and I appreciate your comments.
prasetio, I had never heard of the African banana beer either. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and as always I appreciate comments very much. Have a nice weekend.
lot of people like bananas and knowing there are so many more ways than how they naturally come to enjoy them make them even more popular. there are a lot of foods that are healthy, but also expensive. bananas are healthy without the expensive and great for everyone in all age groups. nice hub and information.
I like banana. With the facts you mentioned in this hub, make me to like this fruit doubly. The fact about radiation ,I came to know through this hub. Thank u for sharing.
Sara Lee used to make the best banana cake on the planet. My mouth waters when I think about it.
smcopywrite, You are exactly right. It is nice to buy a fruit you like at a reasonable price. Thanks for your comments.
sarovai, I'm glad you liked the hub and I appreciate your comments.
BPop, Too bad they stopped. I have made banana cake but not for a while. It sounds good. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Pamela, I love bananas and knew they were good for you, but didn't realise they have such a lot going for them. The banana bread sounds so good, need to give that a go! many thanks for sharing a great hub.
movie master, I hope you enjoy the bread. Thank you for your comments.
What great interesting facts about bananas~! Who knew there were this many things I didn't know about them but fascinating!
I've always thought I was allergic to them because as a kid, when I ate them and even into young adulthood, my ears itched something fierce - inside. But I kept eating them and I eventually grew out of it~ Love banana anything but my favorite is banana popsicles!
Audry, I'm glad to hear you are no longer allergic and I appreciate your comments.
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I craved bananas. We wonder if that's why our daughter had higher than normal potassium levels when she was born! I don't eat them as much as I used to but after reading this article I should start again. I like to add bananas to strawberry smoothies and also to oatmeal. I also LOVe banana bread!
Great hub about bananas with lots of interesting facts I didn't know before. I love to make banana smoothies using low fat milk and ice cubes. Very refreshing on these scorching days we've been having this summer, and much healthier than ice cream. Voted up across the board.
Cari, I love strawberry banana smoothies also. That is interesting about your daughter and the potassium. I suppose between prenatal vitamins and bananas she might have gotten a little more than she required. I appreciate your comments.
Happyboomernurse, That's true that its healthier than ice cream and refreshing. Thanks for your comments.
Bananas have been called the perfect food. And you did a perfect job here with all of the wonderful information and delicious recipes. I must try your banana cream pie!
Thanks for a hub I will bookmark and rate up right across the board. :)
Vocal Coach, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thank you for your comments.
Cool hub! I like bananas!:)
i found the fact that bananas are radioactive to be very interesting, that's cool, thanks for this hub.
caramellatte, Thanks so much for your comments.
Rebecca, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate your comments.
I learned a few things about bananas i didn't know and I never thought about making beer from bananas. Interesting article.
I love bananas!!! This is a informational Hub on bananas, I have learned much from your Hubs!! Thank you! I voted-UP!!! God Bless you!
Coolmon, I'm glad you enjoyed the article and I appreciate your comments.
drpastorcarlotta, Thank you so much for your comments. They are much appreciated. God Bless you.
Howdy Pamela - This is a fun article to read and is full of useful food information about bananas. That business about bananas being radioactive is a bit overdone, for the amount of potassium-40 in them is exceedingly low. It "apes" the usual percentage of K-40 in overall potassium - less than 20 or so "disintegrations per minute" in a typical banana - and the type of radiation from K-40 is pretty weak, too. No need to scare the peels off of folks, right?
Voted this article UP and Interesting.
Gus :-)))
Gus, I knew the radiation was low as I said it wasn't harmful but I didn't have the number, so thank you for adding that and the potassium numbers to the information. Thanks so much for your comments.
Bananas growing in Iceland? Dogs like to eat them? I can only say to myself: “Now there! One is never too old to learn something new.”
I know bananas are a natural anti-depressant, but I/we did not know this right after my dad had passed away, when my mother developed a craving for bananas. She ate about ten per day, if not more. We all thought her body only needed potassium. Fortunately we always yield to our cravings for healthy food.
I often use banana as sandwich spread, or instead of a sausage in a ‘hotdog’. Most delicious: Slice one in a bowl, top it with grated chocolate and heat it in the microwave oven. Mmmm!
Thanks for sharing your recipes and all the amazing info about bananas.
When I tried a raw diet for 30 days, bananas were my staple food. They are also great when mixed with spinach in a green smoothie...might sound weird but try it! Great stuff!
Martie, Your microwave recipe sounds yummy! That is so interesting about your mother eating so many. Our bodies do tell us what we need if we would only listen. I appreciate your comments.
krazikat, I would probably like that as I like spinach. I was a vegan for about 6 weeks but now I am mostly a vegetarian. I love bananas though. Thanks for your comments. I wonder how you felt when you were on the raw diet for those 30 days. The vegan diet was almost raw and I felt better.
I am also mostly veg, I just recently started eating fish again...and honestly I felt amazing on the raw diet...I slept less and woke up energized...skin had a glow to it...basically I just felt clean. I still make sure I eat some amount of raw food everyday, but it is not the same. I am going to try another 30 days in September...
No doubt, bananas rule! And who knew they are berries? Very interesting to learn more about this friend that I begin every day with! :)
Voted up, Pamela99. Jacksonville must have had a great time learning about grilled bananas!
RTalloni, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and appreciate your comments.
Terrific hub about bananas and the nutrition they offer. Up and useful votes.
Peggy, Thank you so much for your comments.
Peggy, Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate your vote as well.
Thank you for such an extensive information.
Hello, I appreciate your comments.
Mmm, sounds yummy, Pamela. I love cooking bananas on the campfire: leaving them in the skin I first split them open and pop in a couple of chunks of my favourite chocolate. Then I wrap them up in foil and put them on the campfire for about 10 minutes. Grab a spoon and you're good to go!
I look forward to reading some more of your hubs,
Cheers,
Cloverleaf.
Cloverleaf, I have never tried that and it sounds wonderful! Thanks for your comments.
I am glad to see this page. Very informative.
jamterrel, I'm glad you enjoyed the page I appreciate your comments.
mmmmmmmmmm my fav. banana......and my mom use 2 make the dish of banana..specially the vegetable i like most..Is it injurious to our health in old age ...if take in excess?
moneycop, I don't know what you would consider excess. Bananas are very good for you and I have never read that they would be injurious to you unless you had a serious kidney disease. Thanks for your comments.
oh ok..thank you....i have no kidney diseASE....
A brilliant informative hub. Definitely bookmarking this one.
I have a banana every morning with my breakfast - they are definitely my favourite fruit. Thanks for all the great banana information!
CMHypno, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for your comments.
So very sorry for your loses precious heart. Your hub is beautiful, informative, educational, and even shares recipes for us. Thank you very much , and God Bless You, and everyone you cherish.
stars, You are so sweet and I very much appreciate your comments. God Bless you and yours also.
loued, This is one of the first hubs I wrote a couple of years ago, so I updated the statics and linked the radioactive properties that are due to the potassium content to a good web page. Thank you for your comments.
saddlerider1 Level 7 Commenter 10 months ago
I go bananas over bananas no matter how there served up. All the ways you show here are fine with me. My Icon of all Icons. The KING ELVIS loved his fried toasted banana and peanut butter sandwiches, I loved them to.
Give me banana bread, banana splits, bananas over my morning cereals. Bananas alone, I keep them always in my kitchen, when I run out I run out for more or I go bananas. Great Hub rated UP, useful and awesome...