Talk of a healthy diet, chances are that a banana will invariably be the first fruit you will put into the bowl for that post-meal sugar craving. Rich in nutrients and fibre, this widely-loved fruit is bursting with health benefits: diet and nutrition experts never tire of reiterating bananas' positive effect in treating diseases such as ulcers, infections, diabetes, diarrhea, colitis, and high blood pressure, among other ailments.
Studies suggest that bananas contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, biogenic amines, and phytosterols, which play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from oxidative stress, which can lead to various health issues.
Here’s how this humble fruit contributes to your health.
Loaded with nutrition: Bananas are packed with a range of essential nutrients - potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, and magnesium - that contribute to overall well-being. Each of these plays an important role in supporting various aspects of your health.
Mood booster: Bananas help promote a sense of well-being and reduce symptoms of depression as it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation.
Cardiovascular health: This fruit is known for its high potassium content. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Boosts energy: Bananas are a good source of natural sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose. These sugars are easily digestible and provide a quick source of energy to the body. Thus, bananas are a good choice for a pre-workout snack or a quick mid-day meal.
Digestion: Bananas contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, helping to slow down digestion and improve blood sugar control. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Weight watch: If you have been stepping up on that scale with no ‘fruitful’ results, it’s time you added bananas to your diet. Research shows that the high fiber content in banana promotes satiety and helps control appetite. Additionally, their natural sweetness can satisfy cravings for sugary snacks, potentially reducing the consumption of unhealthy alternatives.
Balanced diet: Bananas are easy to eat, digest, and absorb, and also provide essential nutrients and calories. If added to a diet this fruit can be helpful for people with various health conditions or those recovering from illness.
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