Bananas are gifted by nature, packed with multiple health benefits. Being rich in vitamin B6, bananas are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fibre and manganese. Bananas are also fat-free, cholesterol-free and virtually sodium-free.
Have a banana with breakfast or as a snack.
Heart health
The plant-based anti-oxidants in bananas help protect cells from damage.
A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs.
Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium. The low sodium and high potassium combination helps to control high blood pressure.
Gut Health
Banana has probiotic compunds that fuel the “friendly” bacteria in your intestine. Having lots of these good bacteria helps shield your intestine from “bad” ones that cause sickness.
Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues.
Soluble and insoluble fibres play an important role in your health. Soluble fibre helps your body control your blood sugar level and get rid of fatty substances such as cholesterol. Insoluble fibre adds weight and softness to stools, making it easier for you to have regular bowel movements. This helps to keep your gut healthy and safe from harmful bacteria.
Bananas, especially newly-ripened ones, contain starch that does not digest (resistant starch) in your small intestine and is able to pass into the large intestine. Such bananas help you manage your weight better as you stay full for longer.
That said, bananas can help you beat gastrointestinal issues such as:
- constipation,
- stomach ulcers, and
- heartburn
Brain Health.
The Vitamin B6 in bananas help you maintain a healthy nervous system and help you think straight. Diets rich in Vitamin are linked to lower risk of cognitive decline and may help protect neurological function.
Bananas give you energy – minus the fats and cholesterol
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – giving you a fat and cholesterol-free source of energy. As such, bananas are ideal, especially for children and athletes, for breakfast, as a midday snack or before and after sports.
