The benefits of bananas aren’t explored enough, there are so many health benefits packed in the curved fruit. The obvious banana fact is that it has numerous benefits. There are banana benefits for men, skin, weight loss, women and banana even has benefits for hair. Here are 11 health benefits of banana.
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Eases digestion
When people experience digestion problems like bloating and constipation, they turn to bananas. It is not odd, it is because of one special benefit of banana. Banana improves your digestive health by easing digestion. Present in the digestive system is fibre which bulks up stool thus making it an excellent remedy for diarrhoea. Banana is also rich in potassium and electrolytes. These two compounds are key elements in restoring and maintaining digestive health as they both aid bowel function.
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Improves heart health
Banana contains a good amount of potassium and magnesium, both important for maintaining a good heart health. Potassium is a mineral that performs a very active function in the heart by lowering blood pressure. This makes banana a good addition to those who suffer from conditions that spike blood pressure. A stable blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease. Also, the fibre content in banana is a good weight watcher, therefore, eliminating cholesterol levels as a risk factor for heart disease.
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Rich in fibre
If you haven’t already guessed it, banana is a great source of fibre. When I say great, I mean amazing and this is where the weight loss magic happens. The fibre content in banana aids digestion and provides the body with other benefits like aiding weight loss. Fibre is filling and makes you eat less than you normally would. Fibre also aids the movement of materials through the digestive system, which is essential to overall body health. It helps to control blood sugar levels and maintain bowel health.
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Anti-inflammatory properties
Banana contains anti-inflammatory properties, believe it or not. Compounds found in bananas exhibit such properties, meaning they can help to combat swelling, inflammation, and irritations from conditions that cause pain. This is also great because banana is natural and healthy and can be a natural remedy for arthritic symptoms without worrying about the side effects of certain medicines used.
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Strengthens bones
Present in banana is fructooligosaccharide. Fructooligosaccharide is a prebiotic and bacteria that is beneficial to the digestive tract. In the digestive tract, this bacterium boosts the absorption of minerals and nutrients by the body. Bananas have also been linked to an increased absorption of calcium. Calcium can be considered to be the most important component in the production and regrowth of bone matter in the body. This is because it reduces the chances of getting affected by osteoporosis and natural weakness. Also, the bones make up the skeleton, and the body relies on the skeleton for many things. Strong bones make a stronger skeletal system and a stronger body.
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Healthy hair
Banana has been an essential ingredient in many hair regimens for years. Who would be surprised? It is packed with nutrients. Banana is a great ingredient for hair masks because its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect the scalp and hair follicles from damage and inflammation. The protein, vitamin and fat content also promote hair strength, growth, repair and more giving you lush locks. It also makes your hair grow faster. The popular recipe is banana, mayonnaise and eggs. These three protein and nutrient dense ingredients are a one-way ticket to healthy hair.
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Regulates blood sugar levels
Bananas are great if you wish to control your blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients will benefit most from this fruit that is a nutrient power house. If your blood sugar level too high, banana has you covered. The fibre content in banana slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood stream, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Be it soluble or insoluble fibre, it can reduce the risk of having type 2 diabetes. Diabetics, however, should avoid eaten overly ripened bananas because they’re not as effective in reducing blood sugar levels due to their absorption rate.
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Nutrient power house
Banana is a great fruit because it is a nutrient powerhouse. It contains more nutrients than you can imagine. Contained in bananas are potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, copper, manganese, 24g net carbs, fibre, protein and fat. All these nutrients perform their own special function. It also makes banana a great food to have in your diet because it provides so many nutrients without you having to worry about your calorie intake.
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Ideal for weight loss
Banana is a weight loss friendly food. It is a nutrient powerhouse and contains few calories. It is also easy to snack on too. banana contains fibre which makes you feel full and prevents you from over eating. Also, this fibre content slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood stream further suppressing your appetite. Banana contains numerous nutrients essential to a weight loss diet, making it ideal for a weight loss diet. This is because as you eat less, you are still consuming the necessary nutrients needed for your body’s health.
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Contains essential antioxidants
Banana is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants are key compounds needed to fight free radicals that may cause harm to the body. Antioxidants work in and for every part of the body, the skin, liver, kidney, intestine etc. The presence of these antioxidants will help to strengthen the immune system and protect the body as a whole. These strong antioxidants include dopamine and catechins. Dopamine is also a feel-good chemical in the brain.
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Treats Ulcers
In traditional times bananas have been used to sooth stomach conditions like upsets as an antacid food. It also suppresses acid secretions. Research reveals that bananas have anti-ulcerogenic properties. That is there are protease inhibitors in bananas which eliminate the harmful bacteria that have been linked to the development of stomach ulcers.
