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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! But what about bananas? Bananas are an incredibly nutritious fruit that can offer lots of health benefits. Not to mention, bananas are also one of the most economical, versatile fruits, and as a result, are the number one most consumed fruit in the United States!

Nutritionally, bananas have a lot to offer. According to registered dietician Elyse Homan, one medium banana has 105 calories, 15 grams of natural sugars, and 3 grams of fiber. Additionally, bananas are an amazing source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, magnesium, and resistant starches.

Registered dieticians Supriya Lal and Allison Thibault list some of the health benefits that come from regularly eating bananas. These include:

• Increased energy – From potassium.
• Better digestion – From the fiber and the resistant starches which act as prebiotics.
• Weight loss support – Resistant starches balance blood sugar and promote fullness, vitamin B6 improves metabolism.
• Immunity support – Vitamin C.
• Blood Sugar Regulation –An important component when dieting.

So, move over apples — well at least add bananas to the mix. Eating more bananas in your diet can also help to keep you healthy as well! Dieticians suggest that you consume no more than 1-2 bananas per day. This allows you to enjoy all of their benefits without overdoing it. They also suggest that you pair them with a protein source to help create a balanced snack.

Pick up some bananas the next time that you’re out grocery shopping! They sure do provide a lot of nutritional bang for your buck!

For more health-related articles, or for some yummy recipes that feature bananas, check out the Fill Your Plate website!