Many people seem to believe that having an ‘energy bar’ will immediately overfill them with
energy, but that’s not the case.
While they are called energy bars, it’s not because they necessarily have a stimulating effect, but because they contain calories.
In truth, you can get pretty much the same benefit from one particular food - bananas.
Let’s see why.
They are Calorie Dense
Bananas offer a decent amount of high-quality calories. For 100 grams, a banana has about
89 calories.
A large banana will provide you with 130 to 140 calories, which makes it a great pre-workout snack.
They offer Slow-Digesting Carbs
Bananas have a score of 51 on the glycemic index scale. Meaning, they are considered low
GI foods, so the carbohydrates they offer get digested more slowly, especially when
compared to most other fruits.
All of this translates to a steady rise in insulin without a subsequent crash, which makes
bananas, one of the best energy foods out there.
They are rich in Nutrients
Unlike most processed energy bars out there, bananas are an incredible source of some vital nutrients.
More specifically, bananas are rich in vitamins B6 and C, as well as potassium, copper,
magnesium, manganese, and dietary fiber.
These nutrients are vital for good health, energy production, cognitive function, and well-
being.
They Promote a Steady Release of Energy.
One of the biggest pitfalls of most energy bars out there is that they spike your energy levels because the body breaks them down quickly. Still, then you experience a crash, feel lazy, unmotivated, and unable to concentrate.
Bananas are an excellent solution here because they are rich in pectin - a type of fiber that
may help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent sudden spikes and crashes in energy.
What’s more, pectin may further help promote steady energy levels by slowing down the
breakdown of food and emptying of your stomach.
So, instead of resorting to an energy bar before your next workout, try a trusty banana and test this theory out for yourself.
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