Bananas are tropical fruits, and a medium banana provides 25 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, with insoluble fiber 2 to 3 times more than soluble fiber. The popularity of this fruit among people is due to the fact that it is an excellent source for potassium and vitamin B6 with 450 mg and 0.4 mg, respectively.

Average calories: 100 per one medium

Vitamins found in higher amounts: vitamins B6, B5, and C.

Minerals found in higher amounts: potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Being high in potassium and magnesium, bananas are good nutritional choices to prevent exercise-induced cramps.

Phytonutrients found in higher amounts and their health benefits: a very important nutrient in bananas is protease inhibitor, which is claimed to be effective against Helicobacter Pylori and HIV. Bananas contain lectin, which is a sugar-binding protein and some studies show that lectin works against HIV-1.

Do not mix up pectin with lectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber found in bananas and helps curb diarrhea and constipation both. Another key nutrient in bananas isfructo-oligo-saccharide (FOS). It increases absorption of calcium and nourishes the good bacteria in the colon.

Also bananas contain 15 micrograms of serotonin per one gram of the fruit. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for mood, sleeping, appetite and body metabolism. Moreover, bananas are high in tryptophan, which converts in the body to 5-Hyroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and then to serotonin.