Introduction
Bananas are a widely famous nutritious food known for its many benefits and sweet taste. It is a great addition to your diet, as bananas are filled with many minerals and vitamins it offers numerous health benefits. They are known for improving digestion, heart health, skin, hair, and even energy levels. So, in this article we will see why adding bananas to your lifestyle can be a plus point for you, and will discuss its health benefits.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Bananas are not just rich in potassium which offers a great heart health to individuals, but they also contain many other nutrients as well. Here we will explore the key nutrients found in bananas and how they aid in our health:
Vitamin C and B6
Bananas contain a good amount of Vitamin C which helps to improve our immune health and provide a strong immune system. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin by promoting collagen production in the body. It also helps in increasing iron absorption in the body which again has numerous medical benefits.
Bananas are also a great source of Vitamin B6 which is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body related to metabolism. Vitamin B6 are also responsible for regulating mood and sleep by supporting brain health and helping in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Potassium
A single medium sized banana contains almost 12% of potassium as per recommended intake. They are known for their high potassium content, which plays a vital role in improving heart health. Bananas regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. As bananas are rich in potassium, having proper intake can help you in reducing the risk of stroke, heart related illness, and hypertension.
Antioxidants
Bananas are also rich in antioxidants like dopamine and catechins, which can help in improving mood and sleep. It also aids your body to protect from oxidative stress which can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Supports Healthy Digestion
Bananas are filled with high fibre content which helps your body in healthy digestion of food. Fibre element in bananas promotes regular bowel movement that prevents constipation type problems giving a healthy digestion.
Bananas can also regulate blood sugar levels, so it can be a great aid in your diet if you’re suffering from sugar diabetes. Afterall, bananas support the growth of gut bacteria which is responsible for overall digestive health.
Boosts Energy And Supports Healthy Bones
Bananas can give instant energy and make your tummy filled easily, that’s why it is also known as “perfect workout snack”. Wherever, they contain digestible carbohydrates and natural sugars for a perfect taste and healthier body. Here are some ways bananas contribute to bone health:
Energy Production
Rich in natural sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose, bananas can be easily absorbed into your bloodstream and converted into energy. Hence, bananas are the ideal snack required for instant energy boost before or after workout. It is also good for muscle recovery, making it a good diet for gym-goers.
Bone Health
Bananas are contained with numerous nutrients which not only promotes energy production but are also beneficial for bone health. The potassium content in the banana helps to neutralise acid loads, which is responsible for preventing calcium loss from bones. Bananas also contain manganese which is crucial for bone formation and metabolism.
Lastly, copper elements assist in maintaining bones and connective tissues. We already knew that bananas are rich in Vitamin C also, and the combination of all these minerals contributes to maintaining strong and healthy bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Supports Healthy Skin and Hair
The vital minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, B6, and C present in bananas are responsible for supporting healthy skin and promoting hair growth. It is also filled with antioxidants which protects the skin from environmental damages and ageing. Hence, adding bananas in your lifestyle is beneficial for your skin and hair health.
Helps with Weight Management and PMS Symptoms
Bananas are often used for weight management and to handle the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome:
Weight Management
Bananas contain less calories and high amount of fibre which makes it a healthier option for weight management. The fibre element available in bananas helps to reduce appetite and makes you feel full for a long time. It reduces the risk of overeating and gives a fulfilled diet in just simple bites. Bananas should be added to the diet as a low calorie treat to avoid overeating of your snacks and to gain the benefits of their nutritions.
PMS Relief
PMS Stands for premenstrual syndrome, and bananas can give natural relief from PMS symptoms. Bananas are high in Vitamin B6 which reduces bloating and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Apart from that, the potassium in bananas is responsible for preventing water retention and to ease your muscle cramps.
For someone going through a menstrual cycle, eating a banana could be a beneficial diet for overall health and improving mood.
Delicious Banana Recipes
Eating bananas on a daily basis would be a great move to have a healthy diet and healthy body. Here we have some delicious recipes through which you can get the nutrients of bananas in simpler and tastier ways:
Banana Smoothie
Banana smoothies are the tastiest way to get its benefits during breakfast or post workout. Blend 2 bananas with one spoon of honey and one cup of yogurt. You can also simply add some spinach or protein powder for more benefits.
Oat Pancakes
The banana oat pancakes are a healthier twist on traditional pancakes. Mix one cup of oats with two ripe bananas, ¼ cup of milk, and one egg, then cook it until golden brown. Now your fibre-rich and sweet banana pancakes are ready, you can take them for breakfast for an energetic day.
Banana Bread
Take one cup of flour, half cup of sugar, and ¼ cup of oil, then mix them with 3 ripe bananas. You may add up the baking soda or cinnamon for extra flavor. Now, let it bake for approx an hour at 350°F and then you will be able to eat banana bread with your favourite addons.
Chips
Yes, banana chips are a much tastier and healthier alternative to potato chips. These crunchy chips can be made easily at your home. Bake 2 ripe bananas at 200°F for almost two hours, until they become crispy. Your banana chips are ready for snacks, enjoy the meal and get nutritional benefits also.
Conclusion
Bananas are a type of snack which offers numerous health benefits. They are helpful in supporting heart health, digestion, hair health, skin health, and boosting your energy. Adding bananas in your lifestyle would be a great major to increase your health and immunity, and give you frequent energy boost. Either you could eat bananas directly or incorporate them with the above-mentioned recipes for better taste.
Hope this article would have added some value in your life, and you will incorporate these healthy and beneficial bananas in your routine. Next time when you’ll be looking for snacks, try to have a banana because it will fill your tummy, and also your overall health.
