A medium banana (118g) contains 105 calories. The calories in a banana can vary slightly depending on the size and variety of the banana, ranging from approximately 90 to 120 calories per banana. The number of calories in a banana is important for those watching their calorie intake. Understanding the number of calories in a banana helps with diet planning and nutrition awareness.
Calorie Content of Bananas
- Medium banana (118g): 105 calories
- Cavendish banana (most common): 105 calories per medium banana
- Red banana: 90-110 calories per medium banana
- Manzano (apple) banana: 90 calories per medium banana
- Plantain: 220 calories per medium plantain (note: higher calories due to starchiness)
Nutritional Breakdown of a Medium Banana
Macronutrients
- 27g carbohydrates (93% of calories)
- 14g sugar
- 3g fiber (11% of daily value)
- 1.3g protein (4% of calories)
- (3% of calories)
Key Micronutrients
- 422 mg potassium (9-12% of daily value)
- 10.3 mg vitamin C (11-17% of daily value) daily)
- 0.433 mg vitamin B6 (20% Daily Value)
- 32 mg magnesium (8% Daily Value)
Factors Affecting Banana Calories
- Ripeness: As bananas ripen, some of the starch is converted to sugar, which slightly affects the number of calories in a banana.
- Size: Larger bananas naturally contain more calories, which impacts the overall calorie count of a banana.
- Variety: Different varieties of bananas may vary slightly in their calorie content
Health Considerations
- Low-Calorie Snacking: Bananas are a nutritious, low-calorie food that may help with weight management
- Fiber Content: The fiber in bananas promotes satiety, potentially helping with weight control
- Source of carbohydrates: Bananas provide easily digestible carbohydrates, making them a good source of energy before exercise
- Glycemic index: Bananas have a moderate glycemic index of 51, lower than table sugar (63)
FAQs
How many calories are in a banana?
A medium banana (118g) typically contains 105 calories. However, the calorie count can vary from 90 to 120 calories depending on the size and variety of the banana.
Do the calories in a banana vary depending on its size?
Yes, the number of calories in a banana varies depending on its size. Larger bananas naturally contain more calories. A small banana can contain around 90 calories, while a large banana can contain up to 120 calories or more.
Are there calorie differences between banana varieties?
Yes, there are slight calorie differences between banana varieties. For example, a medium Cavendish banana (the most common variety) has around 105 calories, while a medium Manzano banana has around 90 calories.
How do the calories in a banana compare to other fruits?
The calories in a banana are generally higher than in many other fruits. For example, a medium apple has about 95 calories and a medium orange has about 62 calories, compared to 105 calories in a medium banana.
Does the ripeness of a banana affect its calorie content?
The ripeness of a banana slightly affects its calorie content. As bananas ripen, some of the starch turns into sugar, which can increase the calorie count slightly. However, this difference is generally negligible in terms of overall calorie content.