Bananas have been a staple for many countries. They are cheap, nutritious food that can be grown anywhere. Also, bananas can be eaten raw, turned into a delicious smoothie, or cooked as a side dish.

Furthermore, bananas have many benefits that will keep your body and mind healthy. So it’s no surprise that many people enjoy bananas because they are also high in nutrients and have a pleasant taste. The following are some benefits of bananas that you should know.

Reduces Risk Of Stroke

According to a study published in “The New England Journal of Medicine,” researchers found that people who ate one banana per day were 45% less likely to suffer from a stroke. It is due mainly to the high levels of potassium found in bananas, which is very useful for blood pressure control.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Another study has shown that eating many bananas will lower your cholesterol levels and risk a heart attack. It’s because bananas effectively lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Additionally, they reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Improves Memory

Bananas are great for the brain too. People who ate one to three bananas daily were up to 30% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, people who suffered from these illnesses were also found to get more absorbable nutrients, which is very good for the brain. According to a study published in “Clinical Nutrition,” bananas contain high amounts of vitamin B6, which is crucial for nerve health. As a result, your brain function improves significantly.

Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Another benefit of eating lots of bananas is that they can help reduce heart disease and stroke in men and women alike. A study found that eating bananas daily will help maintain a healthy heart. Part of this is due to the high levels of potassium and fiber in bananas.

Helps Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a problem for many people, causing fatigue and headaches. Bananas are a great source of potassium which helps bring down blood pressure levels. They also have a low-calorie content, so they won’t make you feel hungry or cause you to eat more calories than necessary. 

Prevents Cancer

Even though there isn’t enough evidence to support this, some studies show that eating lots of bananas can help prevent cancer from developing. It is likely due to the high levels of fiber in bananas. Fiber can reduce the risk of cancer by preventing the absorption of cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer by increasing stool transit time, and binding to mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds in colonic mucosa.

Benefits Your Heart And Blood Vessels

People who had atherosclerosis were found to have much less plaque in their arteries when they ate many bananas. As a result, they can prevent heart attacks and strokes because the plaques can’t attach as quickly to their arteries. It is one reason why many people choose bananas as healthy snacks while exercising or as dessert after dinner.

Helps Maintain A Healthy Weight

Bananas are very low in calories, so they are perfect for people who want to lose weight or maintain healthy body weight. A medium-sized banana only contains about 105 calories, which is way less than most fruits. But at the same time, it delivers essential nutrients that help keep your metabolism in good shape.

Reduce Abdominal Pain

If you suffer from constipation or diarrhea, bananas can be beneficial because of their high fiber content. They can help relieve constipation by absorbing excess water in your digestive system and softening up hard stool. On the other hand, if you have diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bananas can help slow down the movement of stool through your intestines and reduce abdominal pain.

Boosts Energy

Bananas are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will keep you energized throughout the day without feeling hungry. One medium-sized banana contains just about the same amount of potassium as a small apple. Potassium is an essential mineral that stimulates metabolism and regulates your body’s fluid balance. It is also necessary for your muscles, nerves, and blood pressure.

Benefits Your Skin

Eating bananas can hydrate your skin, which makes it look youthful and supple. Bananas contain lots of vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, B5, and folic acid. These vitamins help keep your skin healthy by fighting off infections and repairing damaged tissue. It also can help reduce signs of sun damage (melanin production), such as age spots or brown spots on the skin. 

Benefits Digestion

Bananas have a soothing effect on your GI system; they help balance your stomach acids and improve the way food moves through the digestive tract. Bananas can help soothe irritated skin, too, when used as an enema in constipation cases or as a poultice for itchy skin conditions like dermatitis. It’s also used as a way to treat mouth sores, but for some people, it can cause pain when used on the eyes.

High In Fiber

Fiber is very rich in bananas. The average banana has 3.1 grams of fiber, approximately 10 percent of your recommended daily intake. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system because it helps prevent constipation and bloating after eating a meal. It also keeps you feeling full for longer, so you will not feel the urge to snack on unhealthy foods much later during the day. Fiber also helps control your blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol, making bananas an excellent food choice if you are on a diet.

Takeaway

Bananas are an extremely healthy fruit that is loaded with vitamins and minerals. But the benefits of bananas go beyond their nutritional value, which is why it is an excellent idea to include this into your diet. You can talk to your dietitian for more information about bananas, and they will help you get the best from your fruit intake.