Health Benefits of Banana
You might not think of bananas as being particularly healthful, but they can be surprisingly good for you. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are gluten-free and vegan. Here are ten excellent health benefits of bananas that prove this tropical fruit is much more than your average snack.
1) Reduce pain
Researchers in Pakistan found that people who ate bananas at least once a day reported having less joint pain than those who did not. Try munching on a banana next time you’re dealing with muscle soreness or stiffness.
2) They are an excellent tool for weight loss
Most people don’t associate bananas with weight loss, but they’re one of nature’s best health boosters. They are rich in potassium which helps fluid balance levels in your body, and potassium can also help you shed excess water weight. In addition to being great for metabolism, its have tons of fiber and B vitamins which help you feel full longer. And if you find yourself dragging during your day, a quick banana snack is a great pick-me-up!
3) Make you happy
They’re a good source of B vitamins and magnesium, which help regulate energy. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can help you relax and get better sleep.
4) Increase your energy
They are rich in potassium, an essential mineral for increasing energy levels. If you feel like you’re low on energy after lunch or dinner, try munching on a banana to give yourself a boost. You may be surprised by how quickly it wakes you up!
5) Fight cancer
Studies on animals have suggested that antioxidants in bananas might help prevent colon, lung, and breast cancer. Mice fed a diet high in banana starch had lower skin, lung, and colon cancers rates than mice who didn’t get any bana-nas. Reducing inflammation is a big part of preventing diseases like cancer, so it can also help reduce these types of conditions. They’re packed with vitamin C to boost your immune system and are rich in fiber to keep your digestive tract running smoothly.
6) Improve digestion
They are a great source of fiber, which contributes to better digestion. It also contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. Researchers found that just 1 gram per day could lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by 4 percent, triglycerides by 10 percent, and raise HDL (good) cholesterol by 5 percent.
7) Protect against diabetes
The fiber in bananas helps regulate blood sugar levels, which may help reduce your risk for diabetes. One study found that people who eat 3 to 4 servings of whole grains and fruit each day have a 40% lower risk for type 2 diabetes than those who eat less than one serving daily. For best results, try starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced ban-ana.
8) Prevent heart disease
They can prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure, thanks to their high potassium content. The fiber in bananas also helps reduce cholesterol levels and lower your risk for stroke. In addition, the banana peel has been used to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and lower fevers. Bananas are a great source of vitamins B6 and C and manganese, magnesium, and copper. They’re also rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that may help protect against macular degeneration.
9) Make your skin glow
They taste great, but they also pack a potent dose of vitamin C that boosts skin health and protects it from premature aging. This essential nutrient strengthens blood vessels in your face, allowing more oxygen to reach your cells and improve complexion. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen production and elasticity, which keeps your skin looking young and healthy. Eat a banana before you leave home in the morning to look beautiful all day long!
10) They boost your immune system.
They are packed with vitamin C, a powerful weapon against infection. The fruit contains 11 percent of your daily recommended intake per serving. They’re also rich in vitamin B6, which helps strengthen your immune system to fight off infection and illness effectively. In addition to these vitamins, bananas are high in potassium and fiber—both nutrients that work hard to strengthen your immune system.
