Many diet plans tell people not to eat bananas because they can spike your blood sugar. However, nutrition experts at Consumer Reports say bananas have more pros than cons.
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Christian Yanez thinks bananas are one of nature's handiest snacks.
"He loves bananas. He eats it as a snack, sometimes after school or in the mornings with his breakfast," said his mom, Veronica Yanez.
They transport easily, are in their own packaging, open in a snap and taste sweet. But some people worry about the amount of sugars and carbs.
One large banana has about 120 calories and 17 grams of natural sugars - that's more than double what you'd get in a cup of strawberry slices, which has 53 calories and about 8 grams of sugar.
Which begs the question: Are bananas really healthy?
"Compared to some other fruits, it's true - bananas can be higher in sugars. But it's far less than what you would get in a soda or a candy bar. And even a nutritionist will tell you, it's unlikely you're going to get fat or develop diabetes from eating a banana," said Julia Calderone, Consumer Reports Health Editor.
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Keep in mind, too, some of the carbohydrates in bananas come in the form of dietary fiber - 3 and a half grams in each large banana, which is about 15 percent of the amount you need every day.
Eat green bananas and you get an added bonus: Resistant starch.
"Resistant starch isn't easily digested and so it can help to reduce blood sugar levels," said Calderone.
Bananas are also rich in vitamins like B6 and C, and a bunch of nutrients, including potassium, which can help promote heart health.
So go ahead -- give in to the appeal.
But Consumer Reports does remind parents be mindful of kids eating a banana before bedtime.
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It's a sticky fruit and the sugars can stick to the teeth and increase the chance for cavities.
Also, if you combine a banana with some protein, such as eggs or peanut butter, that will help off-set some of the effects of the sugar.
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