Not eating bananas before workout? Here's all you need to know to improve stamina, balance blood sugar levels
Bananas before workout can significantly improve your energy levels and can help maintain natural blood sugar levels. Include this fruit in your diet to have the added advantage of quicker recovery,
What you eat before a workout is crucial because it fuels your body, enhances performance, and aids in recovery. Consuming the right mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats provides energy, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and prevents muscle breakdown. Proper pre-workout nutrition ensures you have the stamina to perform effectively and reduces fatigue. It also supports quicker recovery by replenishing glycogen stores and aiding muscle repair. Additionally, it can help maintain hydration and improve mental focus, contributing to a more efficient exercise session. However, if you have no time to prepare a meal before workout then make sure you are eating a banana for great health benefits and satisfactory workout session. According to fitness trainer Marchelle D’Souza, these are some of the reasons: (Image: Canva)
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Quick energy boost: Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, particularly simple carbs like glucose and fructose. These sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a rapid source of energy. This quick energy boost helps improve endurance and performance during workouts, enabling you to exercise more intensely and for longer periods. (Image: Canva)
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High in potassium: Potassium is a crucial mineral and electrolyte found in high amounts in bananas. It helps regulate fluid balance and muscle function. During exercise, you lose potassium through sweat, and consuming bananas can replenish these levels. Adequate potassium helps prevent muscle cramps and maintain proper muscle contractions, which is essential for smooth and effective workouts. (Image: Canva)
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Easily digestible: Bananas are soft and have a low fibre content compared to other fruits, making them easy to digest. This means they won't sit heavily in your stomach, reducing the risk of discomfort or gastrointestinal issues while you exercise. Their digestibility ensures that the energy they provide is readily available when you need it. (Image: Canva)
Natural sugars: The natural sugars in bananas, including fructose (fruit sugar), glucose (blood sugar), and sucrose (a combination of glucose and fructose), provide a steady release of energy. Unlike processed sugars, these natural sugars are absorbed gradually, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and sustains your energy throughout your workout without sudden crashes. (Image: Canva)
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Rich in vitamins: Bananas are a good source of several essential vitamins. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps in the repair of tissues, while Vitamin B6 plays an important role in protein metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters. Both vitamins contribute to overall health and energy levels, enhancing your workout performance and recovery. (Image: Canva)
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Helps maintain blood sugar levels: The fibre in bananas, particularly pectin, helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. This gradual release of energy prevents sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar, which can lead to fatigue or lethargy during exercise. Stable blood sugar levels ensure consistent energy throughout your workout session. (Image: Canva)
Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
