Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Bananas are one of the most consumed, yet underrated fruit. They aren’t just incredibly tasty and convenient snacks — they’re also packed with an array of good-for-you nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which contribute to the optimal functioning of the body.
But besides being convenient, the benefits of bananas extend far beyond their nutritional punch.
Read on to know how why bananas are a cut above the rest.
Bananas’ health benefit #1: Best Superfood
Forget about apples. A banana a day helps to keep the doctor away.
They are one of the healthiest foods that you can actually consume. The health benefits of bananas greatly outweigh those of apples.
This is due to the fact that they have an edge over apples in the vitamin and mineral department.
Bananas have twice the nutrients of apples. Bananas are also high in potassium, fibre, and naturally occurring carbohydrates.
The vitamin C, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals included in bananas contribute to general wellness.
They include three natural sugars — sucrose, fructose, and glucose — and are fat and cholesterol-free.
Because the fruit’s sugar content is balanced with fibre, it helps to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.
Bananas are a “superfood” because of their high vitamin content.
Bananas’ health benefit #2: Energy Booster
Bananas are often recommended as a pre-workout snack. They’re a great source of quick energy; in fact, they provide more energy than high-priced sports drinks. Two bananas contain enough calories for a 1-1/2 hour walk or workout.
They are Mother Nature’s best snack foods, and because they come in their own wrapper, they are also a great pick-me-up.
If you’re feeling weary and sluggish in the afternoon, grab a banana instead of coffee and sugary snacks for replenishing energy and electrolytes.
Your energy level will remain longer, and you will not experience the spectacular crash that caffeine or cake may cause.
Moreover, they are accessible all year and offer an excellent pick-me-up during the winter months when many berries and fruits are out of season.
Bananas’ health benefit #3: Better Heart Health
Potassium, the main nutrient in bananas, helps to aid the circulatory system in delivering oxygen to the brain.
The fruit’s flesh is high in potassium, which aids in blood pressure control. According to research, persons who consume a lot of potassium had a 27 per cent decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
High salt consumption raises blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease.
The average banana has 425mg of potassium, which accounts for around 11% of the RDA.
Potassium consumption relaxes blood vessels thereby maintaining a normal heartbeat, and decreasing blood pressure.
Potassium-rich diets have also been linked to a lower incidence of stroke in older women.
Bananas’ health benefit #4. Natural Laxative
According to some studies, if you eat bananas, you might be able to wave goodbye to constipation.
Well-ripened bananas include a form of fibre that helps to promote a harmonious gut function, easing the symptoms of bowel conditions like IBS.
Due to their high fibre content, they are a natural source for the restoration and maintenance of regular bowel motions.
Bananas’ health benefit #5: Elevates your mood
Bananas include high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that, when paired with the vitamin B6 found in bananas, aids in the creation of serotonin, a “feel-good hormone.”
This mood-regulating chemical may assist your mind and body in relaxing, allowing you to feel happy.
Bananas’ health benefit #6: Get Rid of PMS Pain
Bananas are an ideal choice of food recommended to relieve menstruation cramps.
Bananas are high in vitamin B6. According to certain research, B6 may help with premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS).
Bananas’ health benefit #7: Good for Eye Health
When you think of eye health, you generally think of carrots, but bananas are also high in antioxidants and carotenoids, as well as a potent blend of minerals that can benefit eye health.
Banana consumption has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and glaucoma.
Bananas’ health benefit #8: Hangover Remedy
Bananas’ natural components and capacity to restore the body’s vitamins make them an excellent approach to alleviating the impact of a hangover.
The fruit soothes the stomach and helps to restore normal bowel function after a night of alcoholic drinks.
Bananas’ health benefit #9: Lose Weight
If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, try biting into a freshly ripened banana. They are an excellent replacement for high-calorie snacks.
A medium banana has roughly 105 calories. They also include chromium, a mineral that assists your body in burning more calories, so it will boost your metabolic rate.
Unripened bananas are high in resistant starch, which has been demonstrated to suppress hunger.
Final thoughts
What are you waiting for? So, go ahead, grab a banana and eat it every morning with cereal, yoghurt, or on its own.
Moreover, you should also frequently opt for preventive health screening. It provides you with vital insights into your health, allowing you to take necessary measures to improve it.
