Nutrition Benefits of Banana Bread

There are varieties of banana bread depending on the combination of ingredient, it can be good for your health or  bad for your health. Many food companies make use of high calorie ingredients like sugar and fats. There are other companies that still produce healthier varieties of banana breads.

Due to the increasing number of consumer awareness on healthy foods,  food companies have become more aware of the desire for a lighter, more nutritious banana loaf.  Home made banana bread is the best way to control the ingredients for a healthy bread.

Whole Grains

It is advisable to buy whole-grain banana bread than breads made with refined white flours. Refined flours have little or no nutritive value, the flour has been stripped off their bran and germ layers(which contains most of the nutrient), which leads to losses of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

 

Whole-grain flours contains all layers of the grain, which are great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B-6 and magnesium for energy production. Whole-grain banana bread is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and increases satiety which makes you feel full longer.

Bananas

Banana is the major ingredient for banana bread, giving it a naturally sweet taste and aroma. Banana is a good source of carbohydrates, an essential nutrient used as fuel for mental and physical processes. Registered dietitian and nutritionist  find out ” that bananas may aid in decreasing the risk of cancers, lowering blood pressure and improving digestive health. This is due to its vitamins, including vitamins A and C; minerals, including potassium; and dietary fiber.

Protein

The high content of carbohydrate in banana bread doesn’t make it unhealthy if eaten in controlled portion. It can be a source of protein with the right ingredients. Protein is an essential nutrient needed for growth, repair and recovery of worn out muscles and tissues. It also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, satisfying a hungry appetite to prevent you from eating the full loaf of bread. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one 60-gram slice of banana bread can have around 3 grams of protein.

WHY DO YOU NEED BANANA BREAD?

Banana bread offers healthy monounsaturated fats with ingredients such as nuts and olive oil. The Healthy Chef’s Teresa Cutter states that healthy fats help to stabilize blood sugar levels as well as lower cholesterol levels. Cutter prepares a banana bread using 2 cups of almond meal, 1/4 cup of ground flax seeds and a 1/4 cup of olive oil for a nutritionally rich, decadent loaf. Top a slice with a poached egg for breakfast or a tablespoon of peanut butter for an afternoon snack.