Student Page: Banana Nutrition
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Can something that tastes so good also be good for you? The good news about bananas is that they are very nutritious. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium and manganese. The banana is sometimes called "brain food" because each banana has 602 milligrams of potassium, which is important for the brain to function well. In Australia the banana is called the "good mood food," because its high Vitamin B6 content can help to relieve anxiety and stress. Compare the nutrition labels for these four different snacks.
One Medium Banana, 7" - 8" long | One Chocolate-Coated Ice Cream Bar |
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One Raw Apple, with Skin | One Fruit-Filled Non-Fat Granola Bar |
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Source: Nutrition Facts Web site, accessed 3/5/05.