Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas aren’t just pleasant and convenient snacks; they contain nutrients that are good for you. How can something so delectable be healthy? The health benefits of bananas are so outstanding that we’re confident they’ll become your go-to food.
Read also: Learn how to lose weight with your diet
According to the United States Census Bureau, Americans consume more bananas than any other fresh fruit each year. It’s understandable. When you’re in a rush, they’re quick to take and go – and they fit in your purse or briefcase.
Page contents
Health benefits of bananas
-
Nutrients-dense
Bananas are high in fibre and packed with antioxidants. A banana contains approximately 112 calories. It is mostly water and carbs. They have a low protein and fat content. The flavour of the fruit becomes sweeter as it ripens, while the fibre content decreases.
-
Promote heart health
Potassium is a necessary mineral for heart health and blood pressure regulation. Despite the significance of potassium, just a small portion of the population gets enough of it.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, with one medium-size banana (126 grams) providing 10% of the daily intake.
-
Encourage a healthy digestive system.
Dietary fibre is connected to several medical benefits, including better digestion. A medium-sized banana contains about 3 grams of fibre.
Resistant starch, a form of prebiotic fibre, is in unripe bananas. Prebiotics pass through your digestive system and into your large intestine, where they nourish your gut microorganisms.
-
Antioxidants are abundant.
Antioxidants are abundant in bananas, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids and amines, both potent antioxidants, are among them. Antioxidants have links to several health advantages, including a reduced risk of heart disease and degenerative disorders.
They defend your cells against the oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can build up in your body without antioxidants over time, causing injury if their levels rise to a dangerous level.
-
Encourage exercise recovery.
Bananas are known as the “perfect” sports food. This is due to their high concentration of easily digestible carbohydrates, as well as the electrolytes magnesium and potassium.
Electrolytes are lost through perspiration during hard activity. Resupplying your system with magnesium and potassium upon sweating, such as by eating a banana, may aid in the reduction of exercise-related muscle cramps and stiffness.
-
Boost your kidney health.
Potassium is required for normal kidney function as well as blood pressure control. Bananas, which are strong in potassium, may be particularly helpful in keeping your kidneys healthy.
When unripe, it helps to improve insulin sensitivity.
Insulin resistance is linked to several chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes. Several studies have found that eating resistant starch regularly — such as unripe bananas — can increase insulin sensitivity. This could increase your body’s sensitivity to this blood-sugar-controlling hormone.
-
Control high blood pressure
The minerals potassium and magnesium are essential for the body’s proper functioning. Both are essential for keeping a healthy heart and blood pressure.
One medium-sized banana contains 12 per cent of the daily recommended potassium intake (RDI) and 16 per cent of the daily magnesium intake (RDI), making it a fantastic source of both minerals! Potassium and magnesium intake have been related to a lower risk of heart disease. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas serve as a therapy to help lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.
-
It’s easy to include in your diet.
Bananas are not only healthy but also one of the most convenient snack foods. They’re great on whole-grain toast with peanut butter as a topping, and they’re also great in yoghurt, porridge, and smoothies. They can also serve as a sugar replacement in baking and cooking.
Bananas are also easy to eat and transport. All you have to do now is peel them and you’re good to go.