6 Health Benefits of Banana

Bananas are one of the most valuable and nutritious fruits in the world and their sweet tastes make them an excellent choice for many people. The fruit, which grows in almost every warm climate in the world, is originally from Southeast Asia but is now grown everywhere and is a great addition to the diet of many people.

The nutrient profile of bananas is quite an impressive one and with these impressive health benefits come several health benefits. Bananas are rich in several essential nutrients which are needed by the human body for effective functioning. This includes calories, protein, carbs, fibre, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, niacin, copper, potassium and magnesium.

These arrays of nutrients bestow special health benefits on bananas and such benefits would be our focus in this writeup as we consider some of the scientifically proven health benefits of bananas. The benefits are examined below:

1. May improve blood sugar levels

There are two types of fibres; soluble and insoluble fibres, with both having specific health benefits. However, bananas are specifically rich in soluble fibre which dissolves in liquid during digestion to form a gel, with the gel known to have positive effects on blood sugars levels. In addition to this, bananas are rich in resistant starch.

Resistant starch does not get digested by the body and acts in similar ways to soluble fibre. This means that these two types of fibre, despite their high carb content, can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals as well as slow down the emptying of the stomach.

2. May improve kidney health

Owing to the crucial roles performed by the human kidneys including the removal of waste products from the blood, keeping the kidneys at the premium level of performance is important, and fortunately, bananas may help you achieve this and this is all thanks to the rich potassium content of bananas.

Potassium is needed for healthy kidney function, as well as blood pressure regulation, which means that with an increased intake of bananas, those with early-stage chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure can see a drastic improvement and experience a slower progression of their health challenges.

3. May help you feel fuller

Bananas can also make you feel fuller for a longer time thanks to the soluble fibre present in them which helps keep the stomach full by adding bulk to the digestive system, thus slowing down digestion rate. Additionally, with the low-calorie content of bananas, you can have little or no worries about adding weight.

Thus, the low calorie and high fibre contents of bananas make it a healthier alternative to many processed foods out there and these two can both work together to make you feel full for longer periods, and invariably help you consume less, watch your weight, and reduce how much you spend on feeding yourself.

4. May support heart health

Despite the impressive health benefits of potassium, many people do not get enough dietary potassium and are exposed to certain health challenges including those bordering on blood pressure issues. However, with the high potassium content of bananas, you can be sure of meeting your dietary potassium requirements.

Not only will you be getting your body’s dietary requirement alone but would also be doing your heart a great service as the potassium content of bananas can help lower your blood pressure and significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. The magnesium content of bananas is also known to help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and high levels of fats in the blood.

5. They are full of antioxidants

In the human body, there are always certain elements known as free radicals, which are always on the prowl, and capable of causing oxidative damage, which, in turn, is capable of causing great harm if their levels become high enough in the body. The harms they may cause may include heart disease and degenerative disease.

However, antioxidants help fight these free radicals and prevent their dangerous buildup in the body, and this is another useful health benefit of bananas, as they are rich in several types of potent antioxidants, including flavonoids and amines, which all help to reduce the risk of heart disease and degenerative illnesses.

6. May support digestive health

The increased consumption of bananas and other foods rich in dietary fibre can help to significantly improve digestion and the health of the digestive system. The resistant starch, found in green or unripe bananas, acts as a prebiotic, as they stay undigested and end up in the large intestine, where they serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

In addition to this, both ripe and unripe bananas contain pectin, an important fibre whose intake is linked to the prevention of constipation and softening of stools. Pectin can also help protect the body against colon cancer, so you can be sure of the many benefits your digestive system would derive from bananas.

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