Too much of a good thing? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

sarabellaefc · 07-15-2006, 10:31 AM

For the last several months, I've been addicted to bananas. I will sometimes eat 4-5 of them a day. Obviously, I get plenty of other types of food to round out my diet and don't feel any negative effects from it. But I do wonder if I'm getting too much of a good thing?

What do you guys think?

Jogaholic · 07-15-2006, 07:22 PM

Isn't fruit the best?? Don't worry too much over it, but it would be much better to eat 5 different pieces of fruit a day rather than 5 bananas. Bananas are a great source of potassium, calcium and folate, which in turn help prevent muscle cramps, build better bones, balances blood pressure, and combats heart disease. The only serious concern would be if you have kidney disease/hyperkalemia, which in that case, too much potassium can be dangerous. If you're not experiencing side effects of this, then just continue to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Even fruit, however, in excess can cause weight gain so be aware of that.

Just my 2 cents..

qwerty3 · 07-15-2006, 11:07 PM

do bananas have a lot of calories?

sugar_babygirli · 07-16-2006, 05:39 PM

I believe they have about 100 calories for a medium banana. Don't even worry about it....it's WAY healthier than eating a candy bar/chips for a snack. I just don't see how you can have that many and not be completely stuffed! Lol! Bananas are so filling to me!

I don't think it's necessarily bad, but why not try other fruits as well to get various vitamins and such?

Lenin · 07-17-2006, 06:16 AM

As long as the caloric consequences of 4 or 5 bananas (about 500 calories) for into your diet scheme, then it's okay. If the 400 calories put you OVER, then cut back. Unless youy have sugar issues, they won't hurt you.

The nutrition of a banana is almost pure carbohydrate but 5 bananas also gives you about 15 grams of dietary fiber...a VERY colon-healthy amount, and a whopping dose of potassium, also good.