Banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world. In the US, more than 96% of household purchase bananas at least once a month and on average, American consume more than 28 pounds of bananas a year.
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Banana is a nutrient dense fruit that offer a lot of benefits to your body. It contain a high amount calories, makes it a great accompany for your fitness activity. It also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals including magnesium, potassium, fiber, manganese, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
7 Health Benefit of Banana That You Need to Know
Due to it is loaded with vitamin and mineral, banana provide many health benefits to your body.
1.Support Weight Loss
Banana can support weight loss because it contain fiber and resistant starch, the kind of carbohydrate that you cannot digest but help you to feel full longer. Banana is a great choice for your mid-afternoon snack. Besides, the smell of bananas can suppress your appetite which will help in your weight loss attempt.
2.Boosting Your Energy
A medium banana can provide you with 110 calorie. Your body need to be refueled with carbohydrate after exercise to repair muscle fiber that has been broken down. Bananas also contain sugar which are needed to restore glucose quickly and essential to provide your body the energy it need to build muscle and strength. Replacing your sugary drink with bananas during workout is a great way to boost your workout performance while maintaining your blood sugar level.
3.Great Source of Vitamin C
The first fruit that comes to mind when we talk about vitamin C must be orange. However bananas also contain a fairly high amount of sugar that can cover 15% of your daily requirement for vitamin C. Vitamin C is very important to neutralize harmful free radical in your body, keep your blood vessel healthy and optimize the absorption of iron and folate.
4.Abundant in Vitamin B6
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and can fulfill 20% of your daily requirement for this vitamin. Vitamin B6 is essential for a healthy brain function. Vitamin B6 also great to prevent eye disease such as macular degeneration. Increasing your vitamin B6 level can also reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis symtoms.
5.Lower Blood Pressure
According to studies, eating at least three bananas a day can significantly lower your blood pressure. Bananas contain potassium and magnesium which are helpful in regulating blood pressure. Studies also shown that eating foods rich in potassium can lower high blood pressure and reduce risk of stroke.
6.Lifting Your Mood
An amino acid called tryptophan can be found in bananas. This substance facilitates the regulation of serotonin, the happy hormones. The presence of serotonin in your body can boost your mood and prevent anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Consuming bananas regularly can also boost your energy, prevent yourself from fatigue, and maintain a positive mindset.
7.Improve Digestive System
Medium size of banana contain around 3 grams of fiber that can provide 10% of your required daily fiber consumption. Consuming bananas regularly can prevent bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. Diet rich in fiber also help you fell full longer. Studies also found that high amount of fiber in your diet can protect against cardiac arrest, heart disease, and stroke. Besides, bananas are are easy to digest and help reduce inflammation since it removes toxin from your body.
The only thing you need to be cautious about this fruit is, banana contains high amount of sugar and carbohydrates without any protein or healthy fats. This can easily increase blood sugar level. So people that have insulin resistance, like those who are pre-diabetic and have diabetes should not consume too many bananas.
Reference:
http://www.lifehack.org/313848/10-surprising-health-benefits-eating-3-bananas-day
http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/1003180-16-surprising-bananas/