The Health Benefits of Banana That You Should Know
Everybody knows that the banana is incredibly delicious, healthy, and one of the cheapest fruits, that you can easily buy. Banana is a good source of many vitamins, minerals, & especially vitamin B6, potassium, and vitamin C. Those people who eat bananas on a regular diet have no detrimental health effects, such as poor blood sugar control, weight gain, and nutritional deficiencies.
Native to Southeast Asia, banana is grown all over the world that vary in color, shape, and size. Yellow banana, green when unripe, is the most commonly eaten variety. Here are some health benefits of bananas that are proven beneficial in science.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Banana
Rich in Nutrients
Banana contains a good amount of fiber, several antioxidants, and vitamins. One regular-sized banana also boasts 126 gm of nutrients. One banana provides about 112 calories and consists exclusively of water & carbs. It’s also providing protein but no fat. The carbs in a green, unripe banana are especially in the form of starch and resistant starch which is a type of indigestible fiber. As the fruit ripens, its taste becomes sweeter while its fiber content decreases.
- Calories: 112
- Protein: 1 Gram
- Fat: 0 Grams
- Vitamin C: 12% of Daily Value
- Fiber: 3 Grams
Banana May Support Heart Health
Banana is a good dietary source of potassium and magnesium nutrients that are essential for heart health. Potassium is a mineral that is good for blood pressure control. One medium-sized banana (118 Grams) contains 9% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI). A potassium-rich diet can help lower blood pressure, and those people who eat a lot of potassium have a 27% lower risk of heart disease. In addition, bananas contain a good amount of magnesium, which is also important for heart health.
Banana May Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Banana is high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in liquid to form a gel, during digestion. It gives a sponge-like texture to bananas. Unripe bananas also contain resistant starch, which is not digested by your body. Bananas can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals and may reduce appetite by showing stomach emptiness.
Banana May Improve Digestive Health
Banana is full of fiber and starch, which protect against colon cancer. Dietary fiber has been linked to many health benefits, including improving digestive health. A medium-sized banana contains 3 grams of fiber. Banana contains two types of fiber that are most important, such as i) Pectin which decreases as the banana ripens.
Some test-tube researchers propose that pectin may help protect against colon cancer. ii) Resistant starch which is found in an unripe banana. Resistant starch exits digestion and ends up in your large intestine, where it becomes food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Banana is Rich in Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants, and bananas contain several types of potent antioxidants, including amines, flavonoids, dopamine, and catechins. These types of antioxidants are linked to many health benefits, such as the reduced risk of heart disease and degenerative illness.
It helps prevent oxidative damage to your cells caused by free radicals. Without antioxidants, free radicals can accumulate over time and cause damage if their levels get high enough in your body.
Conclusion
Banana is the most popular fruit with many numerous health benefits. It may boost digestive and heart health due to its antioxidants and fiber content. It also supports weight gain, boosts energy and increases stamina, and keeps bones strong and it’s also good for pregnant women.
