Bananas are one of the most convenient tropical fruits in the world. They are wrapped up in their own personal package and ready for people on the go. Bananas are also a great addition to a healthy dessert. There are may reasons to eat bananas as they are packed with nutrition and health benefits.
Let’s take a look at 10 reasons to eat bananas.
1. Bone health:
Too much sodium in the diet can cause an excess of calcium to be lost through the urine, therefore weakening the bones. Since bananas are packed with potassium, they combat these effects by neutralizing the extra sodium, keeping calcium in the body.
2. Digestion and natural laxative:
One of the many reasons to eat bananas is that they help relieve the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. They contain pectin, which helps stabilize the digestive system and relieve constipation. They also relieve these symptoms by helping to replenish electrolytes. They are a great source of potassium, which is a very important electrolyte.
3. Heart health:
Bananas are packed with nutrients that are essential to heart health. They are the perfect food for the heart. They are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which are all major contributors to heart health.
4. High in fiber:
Dietary fiber is key to proper digestive health and relieving constipation. Bananas will act as a natural laxative. They will trigger regular bowel movements and keep your colon healthy.
5. Lower blood pressure:
High in potassium and yet low in salt, bananas are the ideal food for lowering blood pressure. An average banana contains a whopping 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium. According to the American Heart Association, the potassium in bananas is key to lowering blood pressure, and should be a staple in the diet of those with high blood pressure.
6. May help prevent cancer:
Bananas contain cancer fighters called catechins and delphinidin. They are natural antioxidants. Studies have shown diets rich in bananas and other fruits can reduce the risk of breast cancer. According to a study in the International Journal of Cancer, the risk of developing kidney cancer is greatly decreased when eat fruits and vegetables, especially bananas.
7. May treat asthma:
A study published by the European Respiratory Journal showed that children who ate one banana a day had a 34 percent less risk of developing asthma.
8. Rich in magnesium:
Adequate magnesium in the diet is linked to a lower risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. One cup of bananas contains 60.8mg of magnesium, which is 15 percent of the recommended daily value.
9. Rich in vitamin B6:
Just one banana contains 34% of the recommended daily value for vitamin B6? This vitamin is important for overall health. Vitamin B6 is an anti-inflammatory agent, supports the nervous system functions, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, and so much more.
10. Stomach strength:
Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that may help normalize bowel movement and ease constipation. Bananas have an anti-acid effect and stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach, which helps protect against stomach acids. Bananas also help kill the bacteria than causes stomach ulcers.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For an energy boosting smoothie with bananas.
For an antioxidant packed smoothie with bananas.
For the health benefits of bananas.
REFERENCES:
1. “Fruits, Vegetables and Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Study of Swedish Women.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Jan. 2005. Web. 13 Apr 2015.
2. “Potassium and High Blood Pressure.” American Heart Association. American Heart Association, 04 Apr. 2012. Web. 13 Apr 2015
3. Nutritiondata.com: “Bananas, Raw“. Web. 7 July 2013. 13 Apr 2015
4. “What Are the Health Benefits of Bananas?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
5. “Childhood Asthma and Fruit Consumption.” European Respiratory Journal. European Respiratory Journal, 1 June 2007. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
