Go bananas for bananas, nutritionists say

If you like bananas, you're not alone.

The average person eats 27 pounds of them a year.

Although some diet plans have knocked them, nutritionists are singing their praises.

They're well known for being high in potassium.

But bananas are also high in magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. And they're low in fat.

They sometimes get criticized for being high in carbs with 27 grams.

"Some of that carbohydrate is a unique carbohydrate that's digested further down in the lower intestines, so it also helps us maintain healthy gut bacteria," dietitian Angie Murad of the Mayo Clinic said.

Bananas also have three grams of fiber, so that will keep you feeling full longer.

And in an experiment at Appalachian State University, researchers found bananas and water can refuel you from a workout, just as effectively as Gatorade and for less money.

The scientific name for banana means "fruit of the wise men."

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps