10 Health Benefits Of Banana

Bananas, the lovely yellow fruit, is one of the most widely consumed fruit in the world. Who doesn’t love them? The banana is a nutritious and wholesome fruit. It’s tasty and one of the few fruits which cannot be juiced or milked. They come in other colors too, including red. Also, it is available throughout the year and is also very affordable. Bananas are a rich source of energy and storehouse of many nutrients.

100 grams of banana contains...

When a person is eating 100 grams of banana, it means, he is taking following nutrients. Calories (116 KCal), Protein (1.2 grams), Fat (0.3 g), Carbohydrate (27.2 g), Calcium (17mg), Phosphorus (36 mg), Iron (0.36 mg), Magnesium (41 mg), Sodium (36.6 mg), Potassium (88 mg), Zinc (0.15 mg), Vitamin C (7 mg), Vitamin B6 ( 0.8 mg), Fiber (0.4 grams), Carotene (78 mcg), Thiamine (0.05 mg), Niacin ( 0.5 mg).

Now let’s see the health benefits of the banana.

# Digestive Benefits

Bananas are a storehouse for nutrients. In fact, they contain more nutrients than an apple. Bananas also act as a probiotic and help produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.

Bananas contain a very essential mineral, potassium, which helps in the functioning of the digestive tract. Potassium helps in the functioning of the involuntary or the smooth muscles which play a very pivotal role in the food moving smoothly in the digestive tract. The smooth muscles contract in a wave-like pattern called peristalsis. One banana consumed provides about 400 milligrams of potassium.

# Fiber

Bananas also contain dietary fiber which is of two types, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. Dietary fibers provide no nutrition but they do have other benefits.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve or mix up with the digestive juices and they make up for the roughage or the bulk of the food. Due to this, we tend to feel full and avoid overeating. Bananas help in weight loss too.

Also, this helps in the bowel movements and hence constipation can be prevented. By consuming a banana every day, we can avoid the use of laxatives. Common digestive problems like gas and bloating can be prevented. Ripe bananas should be consumed to prevent constipation.

Soluble fibers mix or dissolve with the digestive juices secreted in the stomach and become a gel. Absorption of carbohydrates and fats are very much slowed down and the blood sugar in the body is maintained at an optimal level. Also, harmful pathogens are prevented from attaching to the intestinal walls. So, they play a key role in the healthy functioning of the intestines.

# Prevent Heartburn

Bananas reduce or suppress the acid secretion in the stomach as they contain a substance pectin which activates production of the cells which coat the stomach lining. So, the stomach is protected against acid as a very thick mucus lining is formed and this acts as a barrier against the acid.

Bananas also contain a substance which helps to eradicate and prevent the formation of a certain type of bacteria which causes cancer and stomach ulcers.

# Prevent Diarrhea

Bananas contain pectin which helps in the absorption of excess water secreted in the small intestines and hence the stools become firm. Excess water needs to be absorbed as during diarrhea, water which is secreted is much more than water which is absorbed and hence the stools become watery.

During bouts of diarrhea, there is water loss from the body and hence essential electrolytes are lost from the body and this can make one very weak, tired and dehydrated. Potassium present in the bananas helps to maintain electrolyte balance in the body.

Fructose which is present in the bananas helps to increase the probiotic or the good bacteria in the colon. The good bacteria help in absorbing essential nutrients and also protects the body from harmful pathogens.

Raw green bananas are the best to consume during bouts of diarrhea.

# Energy

Consuming bananas before working out at the gym or running is highly recommended. While working out or when we do any rigorous workout, potassium loss occurs thru body sweat. If potassium levels dip very low, which can happen during prolonged physical activity, it can lead to dizziness and extreme fatigue. Potassium plays an important role in the proper functioning of muscles.

Bananas contain carbohydrates which are again very essential for athletes. Carbohydrates are like fuel to the body. Appropriate levels of Carbohydrates increase the physical endurance of the performing athletes. Bananas contain fructose, sucrose, and glucose which are all quickly converted to energy. When a person is feeling very tired and sluggish, by consuming a banana, intake of coffee and tea can be avoided.

Bananas are a source of instant energy, but it is advised to consume a banana at least one hour before attempting any physical workout or sports. It gives the body sufficient time for digestion.

# Manganese

Bananas also contain manganese which plays an important role in bone development and also metabolism of the body. Manganese aids in procuring energy from the meals or diet a person eats. Hence optimum levels of manganese in the body are very essential as it especially plays an important role for the athletes and helps to boost their performance in sports events.

# Magnesium

Bananas contain magnesium, which plays a very important role in the proper functioning of enzymes which are responsible for very essential actions in the body like the transmission of nerve impulses, heartbeat, and contraction of the muscles. Also, magnesium present in the banana helps to lower the ammonia levels in the brain and thus helps a person to focus and ease stress symptoms.

Magnesium present in the bananas plays a very crucial role in the contraction of the cardiac muscle fibers in the heart. Magnesium relaxes smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls thus reducing blood pressure.

# Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 present in the bananas helps to produce neurotransmitters, which ensure there is proper communication between brain cells and nerve cells. This ensures processes like metabolism take place very smoothly. Vitamin B6 also strengthens the nervous system. Vitamin B6 thus helps to improve memory and learning abilities.

# Insomnia Treatment

Bananas are very effective in treating insomnia and promotes very sound sleep due to the presence of tryptophan. Eat a banana before bed if you have been having trouble trying to fall asleep.

# Lower Blood Pressure

As they are high in potassium and contain very little salt, bananas are able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke. Eating bananas often enable smooth blood circulation to the brain. Potassium relaxes the blood vessels.

Bananas give cardiovascular protection and eating of a banana is highly recommended during tension and anxiety or panic attacks. Presence of potassium and fiber controls high blood pressure.