They are loved by almost all fruit fans and are the perfect option to boost your energy when you are out and about. However, we should not eat bananas in the evening apparently as they contain a lot of sugar. It’s all very confusing ... This exotic yellow delight probably raises more questions than any other fruit. So today we are taking a much closer look at the banana. There’s nothing crooked going on here! How healthy are bananas really?

What do we know about bananas?

They are the perfect versatile snack. They taste good in muesli, in smoothies or simply on their own. But what does this yellow fruit actually have to offer? Bananas contain vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium. Vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of proteins and fats. We need potassium for muscles, nerves and the heart, and for healthy kidney function. A potassium-rich diet can also lower blood pressure. And magnesium is good for the heart.

The banana doesn’t come up short when it comes to calories either. Each 100 g of this sweet tropical fruit contains roughly 89 calories. This is due to the high proportion of carbohydrates and fructose. The natural sugar content, and consequently also the calorie content, increases as the fruit ripens. Yet it is precisely because of its fructose that the banana is an instant energy booster. This is why athletes love this sweet fruit. Similarly, if you are at school, in college or at work, a banana will help to avoid an energy slump. Another advantage is that bananas are a source of fibre, pectin and resistant starch (especially those that are still green) and will therefore keep you feeling full for much longer and are easy to digest. Bananas thus make a fantastic substantial snack without being fattening.

As with all fruit and vegetables, bananas are also an important source of antioxidants, including dopamine and catechin. Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain and can also be a mood booster.

This also answers the question of whether bananas should be eaten before going to bed – and the answer is a resounding yes! This is because bananas keep you full for longer and in this way prevent cravings late at night. The magnesium in the fruit relaxes the muscles, and tryptophan can even have a calming effect. Sounds like a blissful night.

Wow, the banana really is a multi-talented, healthy all-rounder. If this has whetted your appetite for the famous fruit, why not try our fruity banana and pear smoothie, crunchy banana and almond bread in a jar or our fantastic banana and mango nicecream.

Dear banana, thank you for being there!

Your Dole team