Is a Banana Worth the Calories?

To go bananas or not? Are the calories worth the bite? The Quint spoke to 3/3 nutritionists, who say, “Yes!”

It’s in everybody’s kitchen and your bowl of cornflakes. From smoothies to breads and muffins and on their own, bananas are a healthy eater’s dream food. But last year, a zoo in the UK banned bananas from its primates’ cages. The reason? They’re too sugary, high in calories and could give rise to health problems like type-2 diabetes in monkeys. So what about humans?

Many nutrition experts and gym-trainers talk back and forth about whether bananas are a food saviour or a skip. So we decided to get the verdict out on this natural snack which has a very bad reputation!

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

Nutritionist Shikha Sharma gives a-banana-a-day ritual the green light. But aren’t they fattening?

The truth is that bananas are a real power food and as long as you don’t overdo it on the portion size, a banana in the morning will keep you energised. If eaten at dinner, it will mess up your metabolism.
– Shikha Sharma, Nutritionist

Bananas have a very high potassium content. A medium fruit has around 500mg of potassium, that’s a-fifth of your daily recommended dose by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those who consume more potassium have a significantly lower risk of stroke.

A banana that is seven to eight inches long has 105 calories. It is relatively dense than other types of fruit but for those calories, you will receive a significant nutritional pay-off.
– Neha Chaddha, Nutritionist

Losing weight or gaining weight with bananas depends on how much you eat. Portion size is the key. If you eat eight to ten bananas a day, apart from regular meals, you will gain weight.
–Purvi Duggal, Nutritionist

Go Bananas, Here’s Why:

BRB, going for the lowest-calorie creamy banana smoothie!

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