Goin’ bananas

by Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

With the surge of all sorts of food supplements and snacks to boost our energy, I remain loyal to natural sources of energy. Every morning upon waking up, I take at least three to four glasses or water to cleanse my system. Then, right before jogging, I eat a banana, which tides me over through at least five kilometers around the UP oval. It’s natural and a great source of energy!

Bananas contain three natural sugars — sucrose, fructose, and glucose — combined with fiber. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the world’s leading athletes consider banana as the number one fruit.

Check this out: A banana can help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, which means it is a must for our daily diet.

A banana contains the following: 86 calories in a medium banana, 1 gram of protein, 3 g. of dietary fiber, 26.9 g. carbohydrates, 23.9 g. sugar, 467 mg. potassium, 43 mg. magnesium, 27 mg. phosphorus, 7 mg. calcium, 1.3 mcg. selenium, 4 mg. iron. There are also trace amounts of zinc, manganese, and copper, 95 IU vitamin A, 11 mg. vitamin C, 22.5 mcg. folate (important during pregnancy), 7 mcg. vitamin B6, 6 mg. niacin, 31 mg. pantothenic acid, 67 IU vitamin E.

So, what are you waiting for? Go for it, and go bananas over your banana!

Source: Philippine Star