From the WebMD Archives. Of all the information on the nutrition facts panel on food labels, cholesterol may be the most misunderstood. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that cholesterol in food isn't the same thing as the cholesterol that clogs arteries. To be sure, foods high in cholesterol can cause blood levels of cholesterol to rise. But only about one in three people seem to be especially susceptible to the effects of cholesterol in food. And even then, dietary cholesterol isn't the biggest worry when it comes to heart disease, says Kathy McManus, MS, RD, director of nutrition for Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.
A ripe banana contains a high concentration of dietary fiber. A ripe banana contains a high concentration of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B-6 and antioxidant compounds.
1 As the small brown spots grow on the peel, the fruit inside ripens even further. 2  When the peel shows more brown or black than yellow, the fruit is over-ripe. 3  Avoid bananas that have a gray tint and look dull in color. 4  This is a sign that the bananas were refrigerated, which interferes with proper ripening. Put green bananas into a brown paper bag to speed up the ripening process. 2  Add an apple or a tomato to the bag to ripen the bananas in less than 1 day. 3  Another way to speed up the ripening process is to place the bananas near other ripe fruit in a bowl, such as other ripe bananas.