Bananas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, dietery fiber and carbohydrates.
Bananas are full of natural sugars, making them a great source of energy. Each banana provides over 20 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake, and what's more, the vitamins and minerals found in bananas can help prevent and treat a number of illnesses such as Anemia and depression. Among the vitamins and minerals contained in bananas are several B vitamins, important for red blood cell production and energy utilization.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays a role in optimizing brain function -- influential in the production of neural transmitters. It helps stabilize and enhance mood by assisting serotonin production. B6 also helps improve immune function and can lower the risk of heart disease. One provides over 21 percent of the daily recommended intake, or 0.433mg of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B3
Also known as Niacin, vitamin B3 is responsible for assisting the adrenal glands produce various stress and sex-related hormones. Vitamin B3 is also important for blood circulation and can help reduce cholesterol. One medium banana provides 0.785mg of vitamin B3, over 4 percent of the daily recommended intake.
Vitamin B2
There is a small amount of vitamin B2, or riboflavin, in bananas. One medium-sized banana contains 0.086 mg of vitamin B2, or just over 5 percent of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B2, an antioxidant, assists energy production and helps protect the body's cells from free-radical damage. It is also important for growth and red blood cell production, as well as helping the the body utilize other B vitamins.
Vitmain B1
One medium banana contains 0.037 mg of vitamin B1, also called thiamine. This equates to almost 3 percent of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin B1 helps reduce stress by strengthening the body's immune system and improving the ability to withstand stressful conditions. It is also essential for the the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), vital for the metabolism of energy.
Tags: over percent, banana provides, intake Vitamin, medium banana, recommended daily, vitamins minerals, also important