Made from ripe bananas and often blended with water and a touch of sugar, banana nectar straddles the line between a smoothie and juice.
With a hefty helping of potassium and vitamin C, banana nectar offers some of the same benefits as eating a whole banana, although it’s generally lower in fiber. Just be mindful of added sugars, as some commercial brands can be a bit heavy-handed with the sweet stuff.
Nutrition Facts
According to USDA FoodData Central, you’ll get the following from a 100-gram serving of Banana nectar:
- Calories: 81.3
- Protein: 0.26 grams
- Carbs: 18 grams
- Sugar: 15.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Fat: 0.13 grams
Protein
According to the USDA, there are 0.26 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving of banana nectar.
Protein is an essential nutrient your body needs.
Composed of units called amino acids, protein is indispensable for a range of bodily functions, from building muscles to repairing damaged tissues and even creating hormones.
In short, it plays a key role in keeping you healthy and strong.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests that adult men should aim for about 56 grams of protein per day, while adult women should aim for approximately 46 grams.
These amounts aren’t one-size-fits-all, though. If you work out a lot, you may need more protein for muscle repair and growth.
You might need more if you’re pregnant or nursing, too.
Certain health conditions may require you to eat more — or less — protein, too.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that fuel your body. They come in two main types: simple and complex.
Simple carbs provide quick energy but can lead to a crash, while complex carbs offer sustained energy. You’ll find these carbs in foods ranging from sweets and sugary drinks to grains, fruits, and vegetables.
According to the USDA, there are 18 grams of carbohydrates in a 100-gram serving of banana nectar.
Fiber
Speaking of carbs, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that’s a bit different from the rest because your body can’t fully digest it. Banana nectar contains 0.6 grams of fiber per serving.
Fiber comes in two main types: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, while insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve, aiding digestion and promoting regular bowel movements.
Fat
Fats are the third macronutrient your body needs for various functions, including energy storage, nutrient absorption, and hormone production.
Fat comes in several forms, mainly saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats.
- Saturated Fats. Mostly found in animal products and some plant oils, these fats are shown to raise bad cholesterol when consumed excessively, posing heart risks.
- Unsaturated Fats. Usually liquid, these fats are found in foods like olive oil and fish. They’re heart-healthy, lowering bad cholesterol levels.
- Trans Fats. Artificially created and commonly found in processed foods, these fats are bad news for heart health, raising bad cholesterol while lowering the good.
Banana nectar has 0.13 grams per serving.