DeFi Daily News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Advertisement
  • Cryptocurrency
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    • Altcoins
    • DeFi-IRA
  • DeFi
    • NFT
    • Metaverse
    • Web 3
  • Finance
    • Business Finance
    • Personal Finance
  • Markets
    • Crypto Market
    • Stock Market
    • Analysis
  • Other News
    • World & US
    • Politics
    • Entertainment
    • Tech
    • Sports
    • Health
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
DeFi Daily News
  • Cryptocurrency
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    • Altcoins
    • DeFi-IRA
  • DeFi
    • NFT
    • Metaverse
    • Web 3
  • Finance
    • Business Finance
    • Personal Finance
  • Markets
    • Crypto Market
    • Stock Market
    • Analysis
  • Other News
    • World & US
    • Politics
    • Entertainment
    • Tech
    • Sports
    • Health
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
DeFi Daily News
No Result
View All Result
Home Other News Health

Understanding Banana Nutrition and Factors Contributing to Extinction

Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN by Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN
October 8, 2024
in Health
0 0
0
Understanding Banana Nutrition and Factors Contributing to Extinction
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Telegram
Listen to this article


Bananas are a staple food in many diets and among the most consumed fruits globally (1). 

In fact, they are the number one food logged by MyFitnessPal members, highlighting their widespread appeal.

Bananas are favored for their convenience, availability, and low cost. They are an easy addition to meals. They are often enjoyed in smoothies, as part of breakfast cereals, or simply on their own.

In many countries, especially low-income ones, bananas are a valuable source of nutrition (1). Rich in essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, this fruit is a nutritious choice (2). 

Bananas are undoubtedly popular. But, with growing concerns about the environment and diet diversity, you might be wondering how often you should eat them.

Here’s what you need to know about your weekly banana intake and its potential effects on your health and the planet.

The Banana Fungus Crisis: What You Need to Know

Bananas are one of the world’s most produced and consumed fruits, with over 1,000 different varieties (1). 

The Cavendish banana is most popular, making up 99% of banana exports (3).

But, it’s currently threatened by a new strain (TR4) of fusarium wilt, a fungus also known as “Panama disease” (3). This fungus attacks roots, causing plants to rot and die (4). 

If unchecked, it could lead to the commercial extinction of the Cavendish banana.

In the 1950s, a similar disease destroyed the previous favorite: the Gros Michel banana. That’s when we switched to the Cavendish (3).

Since 1990, a new disease strain has spread. It entered important banana-growing areas like Latin America around 2019, causing serious damage to Cavendish bananas (5).

This is a big problem. There’s no commercially available replacement for the Cavendish banana yet. 

Losing it would especially impact poorer communities and economies, affecting millions who depend on the banana industry for food and income (1, 6).

Scientists are working hard to stop the spread of Panama disease. 

They recently found some genes in the fungus that might be key to protecting Cavendish bananas from extinction (7). But, if not, we might need to find a new favorite banana soon.

How Many Bananas Should You Eat in a Week?

Bananas offer many potential health benefits, including:

Chronic disease prevention: Bananas are rich in bioactive compounds. They include antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols. These may help prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer (8).

Support heart health and replenish electrolytes: Bananas are high in the electrolytes potassium and magnesium. These can help lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk (9, 10). Also, bananas can help replace these electrolytes lost in diarrhea or vomiting (2).

Promote gut and metabolic health: Unripe and less ripe bananas are rich in fibers like pectin and resistant starch. These fibers aid digestion, bowel movements, and blood sugar control (2). They also act as prebiotics, nourishing good gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome further aids digestion. It may also support immunity, brain health, and weight management. (11 , 12).

Recent observational research found that people with high blood pressure may lower their death risk by eating bananas 3 to 6 times a week (13). This is compared to those who eat them less than once a month. Increasing beyond this range didn’t offer additional benefits.  

More research is needed to find the right amount of bananas for different health conditions and goals.

So, how many bananas should you eat weekly to reap these benefits? For now, the best answer depends on your personal needs and diet. But, most healthy adults should be able to safely eat one or two medium bananas per day. 

6 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas To Keep You Energized Throughout Your Day | MyFitnessPal
You might also like

6 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas to Keep You Energized Throughout Your Day >

Other Things to Consider Before Increasing Banana Intake

Be cautious about eating bananas if you have certain health conditions. For example, people with kidney disease should limit bananas because of their high potassium content (11).

Those with other concerns or on blood pressure or heart failure medications should consult a doctor before eating bananas.

Also, while bananas are healthy, banana-flavored products and desserts may not be as nutritious. They typically lack the benefits of eating whole bananas. 

For recipes that use whole bananas, check out 10 Healthy Recipes for Bananas.

The Case for Variety: Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Bananas Alone

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily (14).

A low intake of fruits and vegetables raises the risk of chronic diseases (15). This may contribute to millions of deaths worldwide (16).

But, it’s not just the amount we eat that matters. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is crucial for good health. 

Like any food, eating too many bananas can crowd out other produce, causing nutrient imbalances and potential side effects. 

Several studies suggest that a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables, regardless of quantity, may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers (15).

Eating a greater variety of fruits and vegetables has also been linked to better nutrition and diet quality, a healthier lifestyle, or a lower risk of death in some older populations (17, 18).

Scientists propose another case for variety: expanding the types of bananas we eat might help solve the banana fungus problem (19). 

So, if it’s accessible to you, you can do your part to support more sustainable and diverse banana production by choosing:

Various types of bananas, like red bananas or plantains

Fairtrade or organic bananas

Bananas from different regions

This approach may promote eco-friendly practices and reduce the world’s dependence on a single type of banana crop, which in turn could help protect biodiversity and the environment.

Alternatives to Bananas: Fruits to Try

Looking for some inspiration to add more variety to your daily fruit intake?

Here are some fruits you can try instead of bananas (or in addition to them):

Blueberries: Particularly high in antioxidants and fiber.

Kiwi: Rich in vitamin C, digestive enzymes, and fiber.

Pomegranates: High in potassium and antioxidants.

Oranges: Abundant in vitamin C for immune and skin health.

Papaya: Rich in vitamins A, C, and digestive enzymes.

Strawberries: High in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants.

Apples: High in fiber, especially pectin, and vitamin C.

Cherries: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants.

Avocados: Unique as a fruit rich in healthy fats and fiber.

Try tracking your daily servings in the MyFitnessPal app to see how many different types of fruits you consume and if there is room to diversify. 

The Bottom Line: Balance & Variety Are Key

Most healthy adults can consume one to two medium-sized bananas daily. 

While bananas offer many health benefits, consider diversifying so that bananas aren’t your only fruit choice. 

Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables can be as important as eating enough of them. Also, choosing a diverse range of produce might be a more environmentally friendly option.

So, enjoy bananas in moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in diverse fruits and vegetables to support both your health and the planet.

The post What to Know About Banana Nutrition (& Extinction!) appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

For more trending news articles like this, check out DeFi Daily News.

Conclusion

Bananas are a popular and nutritious fruit that offer a range of health benefits. However, with the threat of the Panama disease putting the Cavendish banana at risk of extinction, it’s important to consider the impact of banana consumption on both health and the environment. By incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet and supporting sustainable banana production practices, you can enjoy the benefits of bananas while promoting overall health and ecological balance.

FAQs

  1. How many bananas should I eat in a week?
  2. Most healthy adults can safely consume one to two medium-sized bananas per day to reap the health benefits of this nutritious fruit.

  3. Are there alternatives to bananas that offer similar health benefits?
  4. Yes, there are many fruits you can try instead of or in addition to bananas, such as blueberries, kiwi, pomegranates, oranges, papaya, strawberries, apples, cherries, and avocados.

  5. What should I consider before increasing my banana intake?
  6. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease or those on specific medications, should consult a healthcare provider before consuming large quantities of bananas. Additionally, it’s important to diversify your fruit intake to avoid nutrient imbalances and promote overall health.



Source link

Tags: BananaContributingExtinctionFactorsNutritionUnderstanding
ShareTweetShare
Previous Post

Man Allegedly Shames Girlfriend by Counting Her Calories in an Attempt to Assist with Weight Loss

Next Post

Plaid Unveils Pay-by-Bank Option for Online Bill Payments – Finovate

Next Post
Plaid Unveils Pay-by-Bank Option for Online Bill Payments – Finovate

Plaid Unveils Pay-by-Bank Option for Online Bill Payments - Finovate

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
rewrite this title Gate Dubai Secures Full VARA VASP Licence for Crypto Exchange Services

rewrite this title Gate Dubai Secures Full VARA VASP Licence for Crypto Exchange Services

April 29, 2025
Moralis Web3: Enterprise-Grade Crypto PnL API for Tracking Wallet Profit & Loss

Moralis Web3: Enterprise-Grade Crypto PnL API for Tracking Wallet Profit & Loss

July 24, 2024
rewrite this title with good SEO Best Crypto Presales Tapping Into the Stablecoin Boom

rewrite this title with good SEO Best Crypto Presales Tapping Into the Stablecoin Boom

April 6, 2025
Setting Up OpBNB RPC Nodes: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an opBNB Node for Free Using Moralis Web3 API

Setting Up OpBNB RPC Nodes: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an opBNB Node for Free Using Moralis Web3 API

June 27, 2024
Exploring the Top Option for Streaming On-Chain Data – Moralis Web3 | Enterprise-Grade Web3 APIs as an Alternative to QuickAlerts

Exploring the Top Option for Streaming On-Chain Data – Moralis Web3 | Enterprise-Grade Web3 APIs as an Alternative to QuickAlerts

July 12, 2024
Complete Guide: Obtaining Wallet Transactions with RPC Nodes – Moralis Web3 | Advanced Web3 API Services

Complete Guide: Obtaining Wallet Transactions with RPC Nodes – Moralis Web3 | Advanced Web3 API Services

August 20, 2024
rewrite this title Bitcoin Makes History as the 5th Largest Asset – BTC Bull Token Is the Best Altcoin to Buy Now

rewrite this title Bitcoin Makes History as the 5th Largest Asset – BTC Bull Token Is the Best Altcoin to Buy Now

May 21, 2025
rewrite this title Amazon Soda Stock Up Deal: 12-Packs only .57 shipped!

rewrite this title Amazon Soda Stock Up Deal: 12-Packs only $4.57 shipped!

May 21, 2025
rewrite this title Ethereum’s Latest Key Upgrade Fails To Ignite Network Activity, Is Adoption Sinking? | Bitcoinist.com

rewrite this title Ethereum’s Latest Key Upgrade Fails To Ignite Network Activity, Is Adoption Sinking? | Bitcoinist.com

May 21, 2025
rewrite this title Why Tariffs Might Be a Golden Opportunity for Resellers

rewrite this title Why Tariffs Might Be a Golden Opportunity for Resellers

May 21, 2025
rewrite this title Temenos: New Partnership, New CTO, and Helping Banks Launch New Products Faster with Gen AI – Finovate

rewrite this title Temenos: New Partnership, New CTO, and Helping Banks Launch New Products Faster with Gen AI – Finovate

May 21, 2025
rewrite this title and make it good for SEO Pudgy Penguins and Random House to Publish First Children’s Book

rewrite this title and make it good for SEO Pudgy Penguins and Random House to Publish First Children’s Book

May 21, 2025
DeFi Daily

Stay updated with DeFi Daily, your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and analysis in finance and cryptocurrency. Explore breaking news, expert analysis, market data, and educational resources to navigate the world of decentralized finance.

  • About Us
  • Blogs
  • DeFi-IRA | Learn More.
  • Advertise with Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us

Copyright © 2024 Defi Daily.
Defi Daily is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Cryptocurrency
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    • Altcoins
    • DeFi-IRA
  • DeFi
    • NFT
    • Metaverse
    • Web 3
  • Finance
    • Business Finance
    • Personal Finance
  • Markets
    • Crypto Market
    • Stock Market
    • Analysis
  • Other News
    • World & US
    • Politics
    • Entertainment
    • Tech
    • Sports
    • Health
  • Videos

Copyright © 2024 Defi Daily.
Defi Daily is not responsible for the content of external sites.