The 15 surprising Benefits of Banana
Bananas still remains one of nature’s great snack foods, but did you know that they’re also packed with health benefits?
Bananas are topical fruits that elongated and slightly curved, they have a soft pulp inside their fleshy peel. The fruits grow in clusters near the top of the fruiting plant.
Bananas come in a range of colors, including green, red, yellow, and brown (when ripe). A banana tree is the largest flowering herbaceous plant in the world. The scientific name of bananas is Musa acuminata.
Bananas can be eaten directly when ripe or can be included in fruit salads, juice, and shakes.
Also, they can make a good topping for breakfast cereals or a snack for a quick burst of energy. Bananas can also be used to make fiber, banana wine, and are included in ornamental decorations.
Banana has many amazing and magical health benefits, which include the following:
Weight Loss
Bananas are useful for weight loss as one banana has approximately only 90 calories. They contain a lot of fiber as well and are easy to digest. Furthermore, they do not contain any fats. Therefore, an overweight person does not have to eat too much if their diet contains bananas because they are very filling. The roughage will also not make the person feel hungry by inhibiting the release of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. This will reduce overeating and also help in weight loss. Research conducted in 2012 also suggests that consuming bananas can aid in boosting metabolism, thereby helping in weight loss.
Lower Blood Pressure
A Research conducted at the Hypertension Institute, United States of America states that potassium plays a key role in managing healthy blood pressure levels.
As bananas are a rich source of potassium, they help to reduce blood pressure. Potassium helps in relieving the tension in arteries and veins, so blood can flow smoothly through the body and oxygenate various organs to increase their function. This can help eliminate atherosclerosis and the subsequent strokes and heart attacks that are so commonly associated with it. The fiber in bananas also scrapes excess cholesterol from the arteries and blood vessels and further reduces stress on the cardiovascular system.
Preserves Memory and Boosts Mood
According to a study conducted in 2015, the amino acid tryptophan and antioxidants like dopamine, in bananas, play a vital role in boosting mood and preserving memory. Additionally, magnesium helps to relax muscles and vitamin B6 helps you sleep well.
Provides Relief from Constipation
Bananas contain significant amounts of dietary fiber and therefore help in smooth bowel movements. The roughage soothes the excretion process and relieves a person from constipation. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggest that bananas also help in treating other stomach-related disorders.
Skin Conditions
Don’t be shock, even the banana’s skin has its uses. It is great for treating skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
Rub the freshly peeled inside of the banana skin gently over the affected area and leave the residue to be absorbed. The fatty acid content of the banana skin helps relieve a variety of skin conditions, as well as having a strong moisturising effect.
In the case of psoriasis you may notice some further reddening initially, but this should improve after a few days of use. Patch test on a small area if you have any concerns. It usually takes several weeks to see the full benefit from this treatment.
Banana peel treatments are a traditional remedy to heal warts. Rub a small piece of banana peel over the wart and then tightly tape it in place. Leave it overnight and repeat this process for at least a week or until the wart disappears.
Helps Manage Diabetes
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutritionhas revealed that pectin, in bananas, is said to be a nutrient that aids in improving glucose tolerance in diabetics. A banana provides about 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for both type-1 and type-2 diabetics, as per a study published in 2014.
Gives Relief from Symptoms of Anemia
Research led by Dr. Olga P. García, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Mexico, states that bananas contain high iron content and, therefore, they aid in treating anemia since iron is an essential part of red blood cells. Bananas also have a significant content of copper, which is an important element in the creation of red blood cells. By increasing your red blood cell count, not only do you prevent anemia, but you can also increase circulation to all parts of the body, thereby oxygenating them and optimizing their functionality.
Strengthens Bones
The presence of fructooligosaccharide, a prebiotic, is a beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract that boosts the intake of minerals and nutrients by the body. Bananas are also linked to increased absorption of calcium. Calcium is the most important element in the production and regrowth of bone matter in the body. It reduces our chances of getting affected by osteoporosis and natural weakness.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Collective research at the Department of Pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham, UK and School of Health and Sports Science, The University of North London, UK, suggests that the compounds inside bananas are anti-inflammatory in nature, meaning that they can reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation from conditions like arthritis and gout.
Improves Vision
Bananas, like many other fruits, are packed with antioxidants and carotenoids, as well as a healthy mix of minerals that can seriously boost the health of your eyes. Macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and glaucoma have all been shown to decrease with normal intake of bananas and other similar fruits.
Promotes Weight Gain
Bananas can be useful for weight gain. When consumed with milk, bananas help increase a person’s weight rapidly. Milk provides the necessary proteins and bananas provide the sugars. Furthermore, since bananas are easily digested, an underweight person can gulp down 5-6 bananas in a day apart from the regular meals without facing indigestion.
This leads to an additional intake of 500-600 calories, which is quite necessary for weight gain. Since bananas have the ability to provide instant energy, sportsmen eat bananas during the breaks in between games for an extra surge of energy.
A Good Relief from Piles (Hemorrhoids)
Bananas have been used as a natural remedy for piles as the high fiber content makes it easy to pass stools. The laxative effect prevents any kind of strain, thus providing relief and curing hemorrhoids (swollen veins around the anus region)
Prevents Kidney Disorders
A 2005 study suggests that potassium and various antioxidants in bananas help ease the strain on kidneys and encourage urination. This can help keep toxins from accumulating in the body.
Relieves Menstrual Problems
Traditional medicinal applications of banana included its use as a menstruation aid. Cooked banana flowers help in providing relief from painful and excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle and can relieve other menstrual distress too.
Anti-ulcerogenic Properties
Research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology claims that bananas have anti-ulcerogenic properties. Traditionally, bananas have been used as an antacid food to soothe upset stomachs as they can also suppress acid secretion. The protease inhibitors in bananas eliminate the harmful bacteria that have been linked to the development of stomach ulcers.
So, go ahead eat as much Bananas you can grab!