Bananas are incredibly healthy fruits which are a rich source of vitamins and other nutrients, such as potassium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, C and B6, iron, phosphorus, and natural sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose.
Therefore, if these superfoods become a part of your daily diet, you will experience numerous health benefits, including:
- Bananas treat anemia
The high iron content of bananas treats anemia and its symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Regulate bowel movements
The regular consumption of bananas solves the issues with irregular bowel movements, as these fruits are loaded with insoluble fiber. Namely, it travels through the digestive tract, eliminates waste and leads to smooth intestinal movements.
Yet, note that you must also drink plenty of water. Additionally, bananas can help you treat diarrhea as they are rich in pectin, a water-soluble fiber that acts as a gelling agent and absorbs the fluids in the intestines.
- Support a healthy heart
These beneficial fruits are high in potassium, which is a mineral electrolyte that is vital for your heart. It travels to cells through the body and supports the transport of oxygen to the brain by the circulatory system.
Moreover, it maintains the adequate water balance and a regular heart rate. Optimal potassium levels in the body lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart diseases.
- Improve eye health
Due to the fact that they are high in vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for the eye health, bananas support your vision and lower the risk of night blindness.
The Archives of Ophthalmology published a study which showed that the consumption of 3 or more banana servings daily lowers the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is the main cause of vision loss in older adults by 36%, compared to which consume less than 1.5 servings a day.
- Treat depression
A recent survey confirmed that the consumption of a banana made depression patients feel better. These fruits contain tryptophan, which is a protein type that turns into serotonin, and thus improved mood and helps you relax.
Bananas can also help you improve your sleep if consumed at bedtime, as they relax the body and mind.
They are also high in tyrosine, which is an amino acid that raises the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the body, which boost concentration, alertness, and stimulate brain activity, and their reduced levels are linked to depression.
- Treat morning sickness
The consumption of a banana will be of great help if you fight with morning sickness during pregnancy, as it will regulate blood glucose and provide many nutrients.
Experts advise pregnant women to eat a banana in the morning, on an empty stomach, and after each meal to improve the mood and boost the physical development of the unborn baby.
- Soothe stomach ulcers
Bananas contain beneficial components which support the formation of a thicker coating of protective mucus in the stomach that prevents stomach acids and neutralizes the acidity, which leads to the formation of ulcers.
Furthermore, they have protease inhibitors that get rid of the bacteria in the stomach.
- Healing mosquito bites
Banana peels will help you soothe the itching and reduce the swelling due to mosquito bites. Just rub the inside of the banana peels on the bite for 5 minutes.
- Help in weight loss
Bananas are high in vitamins and fiber and low in fat, so they are ideal if you want to lose excess weight.
The dietary fiber absorbs water and thus keeps you full, and the various B vitamins boost metabolism.
- Provide Natural Energy
The combination of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates quickly energizes the body, due to the blend of glucose, sucrose and fructose.
Bananas also contain complex and simple carbohydrates, and the first provide endurance energy, while the latter provide quick energy. The consumption of 2 bananas gives enough energy for a 90-minute workout.
Hence, bananas can be both, a healthy snack and a daily meal, so make sure you reap their benefits on a daily basis!