Hello, I'm a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience in nutrition counseling. I'm happy to help clear up any confusion about the calorie content of bananas.

Let's address the question of how many calories are in 1 1/2 cups of banana.

First, it's important to acknowledge that the calorie content of bananas can vary depending on several factors, including:

* Size: Bananas come in different sizes, from small to extra large. Obviously, a larger banana will contain more calories than a smaller one.
* Ripeness: As bananas ripen, their starch content converts into sugar, which can slightly affect their calorie content. However, this difference is usually negligible.

To give you a more accurate answer, I'll use the USDA Food Composition Database, which provides a standardized measurement for food analysis. According to the USDA, one medium banana (approximately 7" to 7 7/8" in length) contains about 105 calories.

Now, here's where things get a little tricky. The volume of 1 1/2 cups of banana can vary depending on how the banana is sliced or mashed. When measuring by volume, there's a greater chance for inconsistency compared to measuring by weight.

However, we can make an educated estimation. Let's assume that 1 1/2 cups of sliced banana is roughly equivalent to two medium bananas. Based on this assumption, 1 1/2 cups of sliced banana would contain approximately:

105 calories/medium banana x 2 medium bananas = 210 calories

It's crucial to remember that this is just an estimation. If you're tracking your calorie intake precisely, it's always more accurate to weigh your food using a kitchen scale.

Furthermore, focusing solely on calories doesn't paint a complete picture of a food's nutritional value. Bananas are a good source of several essential nutrients, including:

* Potassium: An electrolyte that plays a vital role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and fluid balance.
* Vitamin B6: Important for brain development, red blood cell production, and carbohydrate metabolism.
* Fiber: Promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may contribute to feelings of fullness.
* Manganese: A mineral involved in bone formation, wound healing, and antioxidant defense.

Instead of obsessing over calorie counts, I encourage you to focus on consuming a balanced and varied diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.
read more >>

Dole Banana - 1/2 Cup Sliced BananaCalories67SodiumTotal Fat0 gPotassiumSaturated0 gTotal CarbsPolyunsaturated0 gDietary FiberMonounsaturated0 gSugars4 more rowsread more >>