11 Health Benefits of the Underestimated Banana

bananas

One of the most trouble-free fruits found in produce section of your local supermarket is the banana. Not only are bananas one of the most simple of fruits (no utensil or cleaning needed to consume), they are packed with healthy nutrients as well. We all know bananas are chock full of potassium (good for the heart, digestive system, muscles, nerves, and kidneys), but this super fruit also provides a lot of other health benefits that can help maintain and improve bodily functions.


Bananas are a commonly overlooked and underrated fruit. So how many of you have disregarded the banana in favor of the ice cream in a banana split? I know I have. However, bananas need to make a comeback. The following lists multiple ways bananas can help improve your everyday life.

Health Benefits of Banana

Recharge Your Energy Meter – Is your energy bar feeling a little low? Eat at least a banana a day for a great natural source of energy. They contain natural simple sugars: glucose, sucrose, and fructose, which are three primary energy sources for metabolism within your body.

Keeping Your Digestive Track Happy – Bananas are high in fiber and can help with irregularities in your intestines. Bananas also contain nourishments for the pro-biotic bacteria in your colon that help improve your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. It can also protect you from harmful microorganisms in your intestines. This is a great way to protect yourself from colon cancer.

Strong Bones – Calcium alone is not enough for strong bones. Bananas are jam-packed with a natural sweetener called fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that can help nourish pro-biotic bacteria in your colon. As a result, FOS can increase the efficiency of the pro-biotic bacteria which then helps your body absorb calcium to build stronger bones. In addition, unripe bananas are composed of short chain fatty acids which can nourish the cells in the stomach that generates mucosa. These cells increase efficiency in absorbing calcium as well.

Averting Anemia – When your body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells, you can start showing signs of anemia. Bananas can help prevent anemia because they are rich in vitamin B6 and iron, which can help your body produce more hemoglobin to combat a low count. Hemoglobin is an important protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to your cells.

Slash High Blood Pressure – Are you feeling the pressure? As mentioned previously, bananas have a high concentration of potassium with low amounts of sodium. The combination of both makes it an ideal candidate for lowering high blood pressure.

Stress Relief – Since bananas have a high concentration of potassium, it can help advocate homeostasis in your heart rhythm and help regulate fluid balance. During high stress situations, our bodies can quickly deplete our potassium supply. Bananas help replenish our bodies’ potassium levels without having to take artificial supplements.

Amp Up the Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 serves many important roles for the human body. Not only is it an anti-inflammatory agent that can ward off type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, it can also contribute to the production of white blood cells that can fight off bacteria and infections in the body.

Pulling the Brakes on Heartburn – Are your favorite foods giving you indigestion? Bananas are known as a natural remedy for heartburn. It can suppress acid secretion much like an antacid.

Indulge Without the Fat – Bananas have approximately 99 calories per 100g. Although they are not considered as one of the fruits with the lowest caloric value, they provide more nutrients than a bag of chips or a chocolate bar with the same amount of calories. If you are on the go, replace a snack with a healthy banana smoothie instead. It can provide you with energy and the good vitamins your body requires to function.

Curing Morning Sickness – Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is? Having a banana in between meals can help pregnant women maintain a healthy blood-sugar level and prevent morning sickness.

Preventing Ulcers – Leucocyanidin in bananas can help maintain and increase the thickness of the stomach’s mucous membrane layer. A thicker mucous membrane layer can help prevent stomach acid from burning and damaging the stomach lining.

These are just a few health benefits of the banana. Next time when you find yourself wanting to snack on a bag of chips or a piece of cake, remind yourself of all the different ways bananas can help you maintain a healthy well-being. Opt for the healthy alternative and give bananas a chance.

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