Many people throughout the world eat bananas. They are very popular and they are bought widely across the globe. The starch and sugars found in the fruit are responsible for the energy they give to the body. The calories in a banana are very beneficial. It has fiber that amounts to 3 grams. The amount of manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and potassium exceeds the required daily amount by 10%.

Fruits like oranges and grapes contain more water, as compared to bananas. This means that juicy fruits contain slightly fewer calories, ounce for ounce, than bananas. An average size banana contains 105 calories. Meanwhile, a juicy orange contains around 65 calories, and an apple contains around 95. The average adult requires approximately 1600 calories each day. When taking this into consideration, it is easy to see that the relatively small calorie difference between bananas and juicier fruits is not very significant. Experts recommend eating a variety of different fruits, in order to consume a variety of nutrients.

There are many benefits of taking bananas. One reason why they are recommended is because they produce energy that is needed in metabolism. They also give energy that is used to carry out various physical activities. Fats, carbohydrates and proteins give out calories. Carbohydrates which include starch, fiber and sugars account for 95% of this energy.

4% of the energy is produced by proteins and fats which are found in trace amounts. An ordinary banana has 14 grams of sugar, 6 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber. There are various kinds of bananas. The long yellow type is most common. It is found in many shelves in supermarkets. However, other types such as the red, baby and plantain kinds are also available.

As compared to banana varieties that are eaten raw, plantains provide more energy. On the average, the amount of energy provided by bananas consumed raw is approximately equal. However, the ratio of sugars to starch can be different. Of course, larger bananas provide more energy. In order to obtain the exact calories in a banana, it is necessary to follow a recipe that denotes the banana's size.

USDA has a National Nutrient database that shows that for a 90 calorie fruit of this kind the length should be between 6 and 7 inches. Its weight should be around 3.5 ounces. A banana that has 105 should be between 7 and 8 inches in length and the weight should revolve around 4 ounces. A 121 calorie fruit should be between 8 and 9 inches in length and it should weigh about 4.75 ounces.

Bananas are used to come up with flavors for various recipes as well as different packaged foods. Snack bars, bread, cereals as well as muffins are good examples of foods that utilize the banana flavor. Processed products however have added sugars, fats and other ingredients. Most of them contain empty calories.

Keep in mind that these extra ingredients can add empty calories to a food. The calories in the banana itself are essential for the body's healthy development and growth. Bananas are also recommended due to the healthy levels of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and dietary fiber they contain. These healthy fruits also contain low levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Of course, in order to consume a variety of different nutrients, you should eat bananas in combination with other fruits for a healthy diet.