The health benefits of bananas are still a mystery to many people and it’s important to know that this tropical fruit is a great source of energy, minerals, and vitamins. In addition, they’re suitable for all diets, including those aimed at losing weight.
This fruit is one of the most consumed in the world and also one of the healthiest. Continue reading and find out what the five health benefits of bananas are that you might not be aware of.
Health Benefits of Bananas
The banana is a popular fruit among children and adults alike. This is due to its delicious taste and also because it’s easy to peel and eat.
However, some pseudo-nutritionists mistakenly tell you not to eat this fruit if you’re on a weight loss diet. Their logic is it’s too high in calories and carb content.
However, a banana in fact contains 20% carbohydrates that convert into sugars as the fruit ripens. For this reason, many think it isn’t good for your health and it also leads to weight gain.
The confusion here is that the sugars contained in this fruit are simple and unrefined. Therefore, they’re good for your body and provide you with energy in the right measure.
In addition to carbohydrates, bananas also contain significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and fiber, among other nutrients. This means this fruit has multiple health benefits. Below we’ll show you what are the five health benefits of bananas.
1. Bananas promote cardiovascular health
Hypertension is a fairly common disease in developed countries. It’s an increase in the blood pressure on the arterial walls. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for many years without knowing it. Unfortunately, it gradually damages your blood vessels and heart.
Diet isn’t a direct cause of this problem but it’s definitely a risk factor. This is because the excessive consumption of sodium (salt) added to a deficiency in potassium can worsen this condition.
In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, reducing sodium and increasing potassium in a diet helps reduce symptoms. Also, it may even help prevent the development of hypertension.
As you can see, you must add bananas, a rich source of potassium, to your diet in order to maintain good heart health.
2. Regulate sugar levels
We already mentioned that bananas contain soluble fiber, in the form of pectin. According to some studies, it can help regulate the levels of blood sugar.
This is because fiber metabolizes glucose, and contributes to its elimination through the urine. Thus, bananas should be a part of a diabetic person’s diet.
3. Improve digestion
This banana benefit has to do with fiber as well. There’s a study published in the journal Nutrients in which researchers demonstrated its benefits in the gastrointestinal system.
Fiber helps regulate gut microbiota and improves digestion. Thus, the consumption of foods with fiber, such as bananas, can help you avoid digestive system disorders such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
4. Some of the health benefits of bananas are due to its antioxidants
Various studies analyzed the antioxidant capacity of this fruit. The conclusion is always the same: bananas are a high source of antioxidants. Among them, there are beta carotenes, vitamin A and gallocatechin.
OK, but what’s so great about this? Well, it’s because antioxidants fulfill various body functions. In turn, they help prevent or delay some cell damage, reducing the risk of certain diseases.
5. Help weight loss
First of all, let’s be clear that the only way to lose weight in a healthy way is to maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Banana is just a fruit you’ll want to incorporate into it.
Not only because it contains few calories, but also because it contains significant amounts of starch. According to various studies, this substance is directly related to a pleasant feeling of satiety, which reduces your appetite.
In fact, those same studies recommend them for obese people wanting to lose weight. So, you should include this fruit in your diet if you want to lose weight the proper way. It might be your best ally.
The best way to take advantage of the health benefits of bananas
Now that you know some of the health benefits of bananas, we hope you’ll add it to your diet. It can contribute so much to your digestive and cardiovascular system and it’s so easy to find and eat.
In addition, this fruit is highly versatile so you don’t have to eat it on its own. You can incorporate it into many of your recipes. In fact, there are many, many dishes you could add a banana too, such as salads, cakes, etc. The possibilities to enjoy it are endless.
As you can see, there’s no excuse not to include bananas in your diet and start reaping their benefits. You’ll soon find out how deliciously good they are for you.
Thanks for reading.
