Eating more fruits and vegetables is always a good choice if you’re looking to shed some pounds and get healthier. However, not all fruits are created equal – some of them are packed with sugars and calories, which causes many people to avoid them. One of those fruits are bananas.
So, can you eat bananas and lose weight?
Nutritional Facts about Bananas
A fruit that contains many healthy nutrients, bananas are particularly rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. One average-sized banana has around 105 calories, and around 90% of these calories comes from carbs. Most of the carbs found in bananas are sugars – glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
However, bananas are quite low in protein and fat. Research also shows that bananas could have strong antioxidant qualities because of two beneficial compounds – catechin and dopamine.
Can You Eat Bananas and Lose Weight?
But, just because bananas are loaded with sugars and contain almost no protein, that doesn’t make them bad for weight loss diets. In fact, they are loaded with fiber, which can not only promote weight loss, but may also reduce your risk of heart disease. Since more fiber can make you feel fuller, bananas could help you eat fewer calories in a day.
When it comes to sugar, bananas usually have a glycemic index that can range from low to medium. Their sugar content largely depends on their ripeness – the more ripe the banana, the more sugar it contains.
The Bottom Line
Filled with healthy nutrients and compounds, bananas are rich in fiber and carbs, but low in calories. If you want to eat bananas and lose weight, there is no reason not to do it. Just aim for less ripe bananas if you’re concerned about your sugar intake.
