healthy living center

Are Bananas High in Iron?

Reviewed on 10/3/2022
A bowl of banana slices as a healthy snack
Bananas may be high in fiber but are low in iron (about 0.4 mg/100 g of fresh weight).

Bananas are a popular fruit around the world, and a staple food in many countries, especially those in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. 

Bananas are botanically considered a berry and nutritious food, but they are not high in iron.

The iron content in bananas is about 0.4 mg/100 g of fresh weight, which is considered low.

What Nutrients Do Bananas Contain?

One medium ripe banana is considered one serving, and this high-fiber fruit provides:

  • 110 calories
  • 0 grams fat
  • 1 gram protein
  • 28 grams carbohydrate
  • 15 grams of naturally occurring sugar
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 450 mg potassium

Bananas are an excellent source of other nutrients, such as:

What Are Health Benefits of Eating Bananas?

  • Bananas are beneficial for cardiovascular health. They are rich in fiber and potassium, and low in sodium, which makes them an important part of the heart-healthy DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. 
  • Bananas are also good for digestion and are important in the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), commonly prescribed for patients with diarrhea or those who need a bland diet after stomach illness. Bananas contain resistant starch that may aid gut healing.
  • Bananas are easy-to-digest and the potassium content can help replace electrolyte loss that may occur with diarrhea or vomiting, 
  • Bananas may also help with weight control and consuming bananas may result in less weight gain over time.

From WebMD Logo

Diet and Weight Loss Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Reviewed on 10/3/2022
References
REFERENCES:

Image source: Getty Images

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320136/ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/bananas/