Health benefits of bananas
Health benefits of bananas, 1 banana provides approximately 13 percent of the daily manganese requirement and banana contains between 320 and 400 mg of potassium
The Healthiest
Health benefits of bananas
Have you ever pondered the benefits of bananas? Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and manganese in addition to vitamin B6. Additionally, bananas are fat-, cholesterol-, and sodium-free. What are the implications for your health?
Health benefits of bananas
1. Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 from bananas is easily absorbed by your body and a medium-sized banana can provide about a quarter of your daily vitamin B6 needs.
Vitamin B6 helps your body:
- produce red blood cells,
- metabolise carbohydrates and fats, turning them into energy,
- metabolise amino acids,
- remove unwanted chemicals from your liver and kidneys, and
- maintain a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin B6 is also good for pregnant women as it helps meet their baby’s development needs.
2. Bananas are respectable sources of vitamin C
You may not associate bananas with vitamin C but a medium-sized banana will provide about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Vitamin C helps:
- protect your body against cell and tissue damage,
- your body absorb iron better,
- your body produce collagen - the protein which holds your skin, bones and body together, and
- support brain health by producing serotonin, a hormone that affects our sleep cycle, moods, and experiences of stress and pain.
3. Manganese in bananas is good for your skin
One banana provides approximately 13 percent of the daily manganese requirement. Manganese aids in collagen synthesis and protects epidermis and other cells from free radical injury.
4. Potassium in bananas is good for your heart health and blood pressure
A medium-sized banana contains between 320 and 400 mg of potassium, which is approximately 10% of your daily potassium requirements.
Potassium helps maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure in the body. Moreover, bananas contain little sodium. The combination of limited sodium and high potassium helps to control high blood pressure.
5. Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues
A medium banana provides approximately 10 to 12 percent of your daily fiber requirements. The Health Promotion Board of Singapore recommends a daily fiber consumption of 20g for women and 26g for males.
Both soluble and insoluble fibres are vital to your health. Soluble fiber helps the body regulate blood sugar and eliminate fatty substances like cholesterol. The addition of weight and tenderness to stools by insoluble fiber makes it simpler to have regular bowel movements. This serves to protect your intestines from harmful bacteria and maintain its health.
Bananas, particularly unripe bananas, contain resistant starch, which is not digested in the small intestine and passes into the large intestine. These fruits aid in weight management by keeping you fuller for longer.
That said, bananas can help you beat gastrointestinal issues such as:
- constipation,
- stomach ulcers, and
- heartburn
Also read: Regular Exercise Benefits
6. Bananas give you energy – minus the fats and cholesterol
Bananas contain three natural carbohydrates – sucrose, fructose, and glucose – that provide an energy source devoid of fat and cholesterol. Therefore, bananas are excellent, particularly for children and athletes, for breakfast, as a midday refreshment, or before or after exercise.
Six health benefits of bananas defined above will be helpful to you
