What is more useful - a small banana or a big one?

In winter, a banana along with citrus fruits is one of the most popular berries in our country. The annual consumption of these fruits is more than 7 kg per capita. As a rule, in stores are sold bananas of a certain type about 20 cm long and not more than 3 cm in diameter. But, for example, in Thailand you can see fruits, the length of which is at least 3 times less. About what distinguishes a small banana from a large, we will tell in our article. Here we will present customer feedback on the taste of bananas.

What distinguishes small bananas from large

In the world there are about 500 varieties of bananas, most of which are edible. However, only 2-3 species of this berry are imported into Russia.

The most common variety is Cavendish. Large bright yellow fruits with thick skin and sweet elastic flesh reach a length of 25 cm. As the banana grows, the pulp becomes softer. Cultivated this variety in Taiwan, Hawaii, Ecuador, Colombia, Australia and other countries. These are the very bananas that are most often represented on store shelves.

In a number of tropical countries in Central America and Central Africa, in Thailand you can see not a standard, but a very small banana. This variety is called Lady Finger or Lady Finger. The fruits of this plant are no more than 10 cm in length. Bananas with yellow thick skin have a very sweet flesh, much sweeter than traditional varieties. By gastronomic qualities they are several times better, but their cost is much higher. They are sold in bundles of 12-20 pieces.

At first glance, the small and large banana differ only in size and taste. But how much they are similar in nutritional value, we will consider below.

Caloric content and nutritional value

Banana is a high-calorie product. In 100 grams of one berry contains 96 calories. And since the average weight of the fetus is 160 g, the total caloric value of one banana is over 150 kcal. But, despite this, the berry has a low glycemic index (18 units), which is a big advantage for the body.

A small banana and a large one have the same calorie content and nutritional value. They contain 1.5 g of proteins, 0.5 g of fat and 21 g of carbohydrates. Almost 74% of the flesh of the berry is water. The banana contains 13 vitamins (A, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, E, C, K, PP), a large number of micro- and macro elements (potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, Manganese, selenium, zinc, fluorine). Bright yellow fruits are the record holders for the amount of potassium in comparison with peaches, mangoes and pineapples. In 100 grams of banana contains 10% of the daily rate of potassium (348 mg).

Benefits and harm of bananas for the body

Doctors and nutritionists unanimously repeat the benefits of bananas for the body. And they do not focus on the fruits of what size or variety should be eaten. For example, a small banana is able to bring the following benefit to the body:

• Elimination of excess salt from the body and improvement of the water-salt balance due to the high content of potassium;
• Prevention of edema;
• Normalization of pressure;
• Protection of the walls of the intestine from irritation, which is especially important in case of peptic ulcer;
• Increased mood due to the content of the banana in the pulp of serotonin;
• Improvement of skin condition, prevention of aging;
• Fighting stress and depression;
• Strengthening immunity.

Despite the benefits of banana, there is a group of people who are allergic to it. They use the yellow fruit for food categorically contraindicated.

Which bananas are more useful - small or large

Many people believe that small and large bananas differ not only in appearance and taste, but also in nutritional value and useful properties. But this opinion is erroneous. Both a small banana and a large one are equally beneficial to the body. The size of the fruit absolutely does not affect their composition or value.

Bananas are rich in pectins and coarse fibers, they contain 13 important vitamins and 10 minerals, they have a low glycemic index and are the record holders for the amount of potassium. This fruit should be included in your daily diet for children, pregnant women, the elderly and all other people. Bananas can be eaten fresh, as well as dried. But it should be borne in mind that the calorie content of such fruits will not be 96, but 320 kcal per 100 grams.

Customer Reviews

According to buyers, the taste of small bananas is more intense, bright. However, in stores they are sold 2-3 times more expensive than standard sizes. Some people, on the contrary, consider them a bit dryish, compared to large bananas.

The choice of what to choose a banana - large or small, depends only on the buyer and his financial capabilities. Most people prefer palm fruit by taste, but only if they are well ripe. Otherwise, it is better to choose not a small, but a large, but ripe, bright yellow banana. In any case, the nutritional value, caloric value and benefit for the body they will be equally high.