Health benefits of banana

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Aug 21, 2020 • 2 min Read

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” the same thing can be said for bananas. Banana has a unique taste, considered as one of the healthiest fruits on the planet and also one of the most eaten fruits worldwide. This popular tropical fruit is a storehouse of minerals and vitamins that boost one’s health on different levels. Bananas also provide a wide array of medicinal properties.

There were even claims that eating bananas can keep you safe from the COVID-19 but there is no back up to this and no proven record that it can help prevent or cure the virus.

From Healthline, here are some of the health benefits of bananas and reasons to add them on your diet:

1. Bananas contain important nutrients

Bananas are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and several nutrients. A medium-sized banana has about 105 calories.

2. Bananas contain nutrients that moderate blood sugar levels

Bananas can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals and may reduce appetite by slowing stomach emptying.

3. Bananas may improve digestive health

Bananas have fiber and resistant starch, which may feed your friendly gut bacteria and safeguard against colon cancer.

4. Bananas aid weight loss

Bananas may aid weight loss because they’re low in calories and high in nutrients and fiber.

5. Bananas support heart health

Bananas are a good dietary source of potassium and magnesium — two nutrients that are essential for heart health.

6. Bananas contain powerful antioxidants

Bananas are high in several antioxidants, which may help reduce damage from free radicals and lower your risk of some diseases.

7. Bananas may help you feel more full

Depending on ripeness, bananas harbor high amounts of resistant starch or pectin. Both may reduce appetite and help keep you full.

8. Unripe bananas may improve insulin sensitivity

Unripe bananas are a good source of resistant starch, which may improve insulin sensitivity.

9. Bananas improve kidney health

Eating a banana several times a week may reduce your risk of kidney disease by up to 50%.

10. Bananas may have benefits for exercise

Bananas may help relieve muscle cramps caused by exercise. They also provide excellent fuel for endurance exercise.

11. Bananas are easy to add to your diet

Bananas make excellent snack food, dessert, or breakfast. Their versatility makes them easy to add to your diet.

Indeed, “two bananas a day may keep the doctor away”, as said by Dr. Willie Ong, a known Pinoy health advocate. So, it’s time to go bananas! Stay safe and healthy!