Many people avoid bananas because they’re naturally high in carbohydrates and sugars when compared to most other fruits.

Bananas should be part of a healthy, balanced, produce-filled diet.

There are many nutritional banana benefits you may not know about, like itsmetabolism-boosting fiberand hydration-supportingpotassium content.

Half-Peeled Banana on Yellow Background

Image Source/Getty Images

Read on for some convincing reasons to make bananas a recurring staple in your diet.

Benefits of Eating Bananas

Bananas are rich in the electrolyte potassium.

Bananas are anexcellent source of potassium, a mineral that’s essential for many bodily functions.

Banana Bread on Wooden Cutting Board with One Slice Cut

Grace Elkus

Bananas are high in fiber for healthy digestion and metabolism.

According to Silverman, you’ll also want to pay attention to how ripe the banana is.

This is because unripe bananas contain more starch, whereas riper ones have a bit more fiber.

Chocolate Banana Bites in a Bowl, Some Cut Open to Show Inside

Azurita/Getty Images

Bananas provide plenty of vitamin B6.

Zuckerbrot also notes that, among other benefits, this yellow fruit is agreat source of vitamin B6.

Bananas are a natural, healthy source of carbsexcellent for workout energy and recovery.

Coffee Tahini Smoothie in a Glass

Caitlin Bensel

“Bananas are a good source of carbohydrates and will providefuel for workouts,” Zuckerbrot explains.

“They also may help reduce exercise-related muscle cramps and soreness.”

Bananas are affordable and accessible.

Two Scoops of Banana ice cream in a white bowl with sliced banana and mint as garnish

Tatiana Volgutova/Getty Images

“They have a thick peel to help protect the edible part from pesticides,” Cole explains.

Another option is to slice bananas on a rice cake or piece of toast.

Simply blend all together," Silverman says.

PB&J Overnight Oats Recipe

Antonis Achilleos

Zuckerbrot suggests using bananas in baking.

Easy Frozen Banana Ice Cream

A creamy, dreamy, frozen treat that requireswait for itoneingredient?

Each jar is topped with layers of strawberry jam, banana slices, and chopped peanuts.Get the recipe.

NIH, Office of Dietary Supplements,Potassium.

Bae SH.Diets for constipation.Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.

2014;17(4):203-208. doi:10.5223/pghn.2014.17.4.203

NIH, Office of Dietary Supplements,Vitamin B6.

2015;14(12):5367-5377. doi:10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00909