We tend to think of fruits as some of the healthiest foods around. And while this is generally true, it’s always important to remember that too much of a good thing can be bad thing. According to experts, this could be especially true when it comes to particularly high-sugar fruits. If you fail to pay attention to the sugar and calorie content, you may run into the issue of weight gain. And there’s one type of fruit in particular that may cause issues in this department.
To shed some light on one sugary fruit that may stand in the way of your weight loss goals if you’re not careful, we spoke to health expert Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD. She told us that, despite the benefits they provide in moderation, regularly consuming too many bananas is a poor choice for your health. Read on to learn more about the risks.
How bananas could lead to belly fat
Don't get us wrong—there are plenty of reasons to eat bananas. They can pack in potassium, a range of vitamins, and dietary fiber, all of which can support a healthy body. But the issue lies in their high sugar content. It's no secret that consuming too much sugar can lead to an array of health issues, including weight gain. And although bananas contain natural sugars, which are lightyears better than refined varieties, they could still make an impact.
As Sabat points out, "Bananas contain both simple and complex carbohydrates, with a significant portion being natural sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose. These sugars can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by crashes, which can trigger hunger and overeating." And we all know that overeating and indulging in unhealthy snacks is one sure-fire way to sabotage your weight loss goals.
The calorie count is another potential issue. "A medium-sized banana contains about 105 calories on average. If you consume multiple bananas throughout the day without considering the calorie content, you might end up exceeding your daily caloric needs," Sabat points out. Remember that maintaining a calorie deficit is one key to weight loss. Luckily, there are many healthy ways to do this.
The bottom line
Does all of this mean you should say goodbye to bananas for good? Definitely not! Remember that bananas can be great for your health in moderation. As Sabat notes, though, the sugar and calories can add up over time, so it's always important to monitor your intake as much as possible so as not to thwart your weight loss goals.
