Bananas actual potassium content is relatively low per typical food serving at only 8% of the US recommended Daily Value, although they are commonly thought to supply exceptional potassium content. They are 75% water, 23% carbohydrates, 1% protein, in raw form, and negligible fat. Because of the potassium content bananas are naturally slightly radioactive, more than most other fruits. Here Natalie Rizzo,MS,RD, MSN.com, reflects on healthy reasons to eat bananas daily:

“Bananas are nature’s version of candy: they’re so naturally sweet that they make anything you pair them with taste like dessert, albeit a much healthier version of it.

When you consider the versatility, portability, affordability, and tastiness of the humble banana, it’s not exactly shocking to see that global production of the tropical fruit is at an all-time high. In fact, bananas are the most exported fresh fruit in the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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But are bananas good for you?

Even with its unwavering popularity, some still avoid bananas because they’re higher in carbs and sugar than many other fruits. But here’s the thing: it’s easy to forget that your body actually needs carbs to fuel your body, and unlike processed sweet treats, a banana’s naturally occurring sugars are accompanied by many vitamins and minerals. Plus, bananas are also rich in fiber, which slows your digestion of sugar, not to mention helps keep you feeling full.

So, are bananas healthy? You bet!

🍌 BANANA NUTRITION FACTS: 105 calories, 1 g protein, <1 g fat, 26 g carbs (3 g fiber), 14 g sugar in 1 medium

10 science-backed health benefits of bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium

One medium banana contains 422 milligrams of potassium, or about 12 percent of your daily value of the mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Your body needs plenty of potassium to operate normally. This electrolyte helps your muscles contract, nerves function, move nutrients into cells (and waste out of them), regulate your heartbeat, and regulate sodium in your body. So when you don’t get enough potassium, your blood pressure and kidney stone risk can increase, you may feel weak and tired, or even experience muscle cramps. (Here are other foods high in potassium.)

Bananas help keep you hydrated

How the heck can a solid food aid in hydration? Potassium plays a part here by helping regulate the balance of fluids in your body, especially the electrolytes you lose (like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and yes-potassium!) after a sweaty workout. Moderate to intense activity can cause small cellular changes in potassium, and athletes are encouraged to eat potassium rich foods to counteract these imbalances, according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Bananas are good for your gut

One medium banana has 3 grams of filling fiber (about 10 percent of your daily intake). Bananas also contain prebiotics, a type of fermentable fiber that helps the good bacteria in your gut (also know as probiotics) thrive. (Learn more about prebiotic vs. probiotic foods.) That’s a big win for your overall health, since research suggests these beneficial bugs may improve digestion, shorten the duration of your cold, and even aid in weight loss.”

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Read more … Article Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/10-healthy-reasons-to-eat-a-banana-every-day/ar-BBNfjwY

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