The following foods were reported to be those most often searched for calorie information on Google in 2014. Here's that information, along with a few other interesting tidbits on each of them.
How Many Calories Are in Bananas?
Nutritional information: (1 medium) 105 calories; 0.39 g fat; 27 g carbs; 3 g fiber; 1.29 g protein
Bananas are inexpensive, easy to purchase, soft and easy to chew. They ripen after being picked, and they're packed with nutrients. The best part is that they taste fantastic. They're sweet as candy, and they come in their own wrapper.
Bananas contain folate, vitamins C and A and magnesium. They are loaded with potassium (422 milligrams), which is necessary for muscle contractions (including your heartbeat), transmission of nerve impulses and the delicate balance of fluid and electrolyte regulation. The potassium helps to reduce stress by aiding muscle relaxation.
Diets rich in potassium reduce the adverse effects of salt and lower blood pressure (one in five Americans have high blood pressure). Plus, they may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss. There is a basic balancing act that goes on in the body between sodium and potassium. The sodium creates muscle contraction and the potassium relaxes muscle, so together they help transport nutrients to the cells.
More: Recipes for Athletes: 8 Pre-Workout Ways to Fuel With Bananas
How Many Calories Are in an Apple?
Nutritional information: (182 g, 1 medium, 3 inches diameter) 95 calories; 0.3 g fat; 1 mg sodium; 25 g carbs; 4.5 g fiber; 19 g sugar; 0.5 g protein
Apples are known for their disease-fighting capabilities. They are a good source of vitamin C and are packed with fiber, which not only decreases cholesterol but also helps protect against cancer. In addition, they are loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids such as quercetin, which is important for keeping blood vessels healthy, reducing inflammation throughout the body, preventing DNA damage that can lead to cancer and slowing cancer cell growth and reproduction.
How Many Calories Are in an Avocado?
Nutritional information: (1 cup sliced, 146 g) 234 calories; 3 g protein; 21.5 g fat; 12.5 g carbs; 10 g fiber; 1 g sugar
Avocados are nutrient dense and packed with antioxidants, vitamins B6, C and E, as well as folate and potassium. They actually have 60 percent more potassium per ounce than bananas, and they're a great source of monounsaturated fat, which studies have shown to reduce serum cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated fats.
