5 Proven Health Benefits of Banana

Banana ‘kela’, thought not a native Indian fruit, is the second most grown fruit, has become an integral part of Indian milieu due to the potential health benefits it offers.

Native of Southeast Asia, South Pacific and Western Africa, banana was introduced to the world around 3300 year back by Alexandra the Great, who first tasted it in India. India, incidentally, is the biggest producer/consumer of Banana in the world.

India not only is the biggest consumer of banana fruit, the Banana tree and The leaves, due to its various reasons – sacred and scientific, have become an integral part of Indian cooking and also sacred religious ceremonies.

# Improves digestive health

1. The high fibre content present in banana helps in smooth bowel movements thus, promoting digestive health. Fibre provides relief from constipation and is also helpful in treating numerous intestinal complaints.

2. Bananas are a good source of prebiotic, which acts as food for good gut bacteria and improves digestion.

3. The fructooligosaccharides content of banana leads to enhanced gastrointestinal health.

# Promotes heart health

1. Being rich in potassium, bananas help deliver oxygen to the brain thus, maintaining decreased blood pressure, and regular heartbeat.

2. The magnesium content of banana is essential for heart health.

3. The fiber content of banana regulates excess cholesterol from arteries and reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system.

4. Banana contains phytosterols, these are compounds which possess LDL cholesterol-reducing properties.

5. Banana prevents strokes, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.

# Prevents cancer

1. Lectin, a protein found in bananas, may aid restrict the growth of leukaemia cells.

2. Lectin is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants eliminate the free radicals and prevent their built-up thus, preventing cancers.

3. The high levels of antioxidant phenolic compounds in banana help it to prevent kidney cancer.

# Supports bone health

1. Calcium is known to promote bone health. Banana is associated with enhancing the calcium absorption with the help of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides that are present in banana. Fructooligosaccharides ferment in the digestive tract thus, accelerating the body’s capability to absorb calcium.

2. Fructooligosaccharides are present in abundance in banana. They stimulate the digestive-friendly probiotics.

# Other possible Benefits

Banana produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as cures skin diseases, useful in a hangover, whitens teeth, aids weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, improves kidney health,normalises blood sugar levels, treats piles, provides energy, cures skin problems, lowers stress.

Also helps reduce menstrual pains, fight morning sickness, relieve itch, soothe ulcers, treat warts,lower feelings of anxiety and stress, induce better sleep, regularise bowel movement, support healthy eyes and vision, detoxify the body and help fight anaemia.