Consuming bananas has been linked with a number of health benefits, thanks to the nutritional punch bananas pack. Ranging from reducing the incidence of leg cramps, depression and constipation to lowering blood sugar levels, bananas are a great food to take as a snack, slice in your cereal or pair with some protein-packed peanut butter. The serving size for these vitamin amounts is one medium-sized banana (weighing about 126 grams) that contains 110 calories, 1.29 g of protein and 3.1 g of dietary fiber.
Vitamin B6
Bananas contain 41 percent of the daily recommended allowance for vitamin B6, which is necessary for creating neurotransmitters that regulate a variety of body functions. Vitamin B6 deficiency is associated with a number of adverse symptoms, such as depression and fatigue.
Vitamin C
Bananas contain 6 g of vitamin C, which represents more than 20 percent of the recommended daily intake of 30 g. Vitamin C is necessary for a variety of bodily functions, including producing the collagen that helps to support structures in the body such as ligaments and tendons. The vitamin also has antioxidant properties, meaning it's linked with reducing inflammation in the body.
Potassium
Bananas contain more than 422 mg of potassium, which is responsible for regulating fluid balance in the body. Potassium helps to reduce the incidence of muscle cramps, boosts heart muscle function and helps control muscle function.
Vitamin A
A medium-sized banana contains more than 293 international units (IUs) of vitamin A. This vitamin is vital to cell reproduction, and a sufficient daily intake allows for bone and tooth growth and supports healthy hair and skin. Vitamin A also is associated with improved immunity.
Vitamin B2
Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 also facilitates growth and cell reproduction, including red blood cell formation. The vitamin also is necessary for healthy eyes, as vitamin B6 helps to prevent and treat cataracts. Deficiency of vitamin B2 has been associated with symptoms such as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth, sores on the skin, insomnia and hair loss.
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