News Briefs: Study finds bananas a good energy source for exercisers

Bananas are as beneficial as sports drinks for restoring carbs, potassium, and other nutrients expended during exercise, according to a report in a recent issue of PLoS One. The study compared the performance of racing cyclists who consumed sports drinks with that of racers who ate only bananas during an endurance race. Researchers found that bananas have additional benefits not found in sports drinks, and those are antioxidants, as well as a healthier blend of sugars. Bananas, which are also good sources of vitamin B6 and fiber, were favored by some cyclists who didn't like the idea of consuming a sugar-sweetened sports drink during their workouts.