Banana Health Facts: Why Eating Bananas Is Good For Your Health
Bananas are a delicious and creamy food, perfect as a quick snack for a prolonged energy boost. With only one gram of fat per 225g serving, the banana is really the perfect food. They are cholesterol and sodium free and high in omega-3s; in addition, bananas deliver over 30 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. High in fiber and natural sugars, this fruit gives the body energy and essential nutrients.
Bananas are one of the most common sources of potassium and manganese with Americans consuming just under 30 pounds per year. Not only healthy for pregnancy diets, bananas are safe for babies as one of their first solid foods. Rarely a source of allergies, bananas are good for toddler health and energy. Use bananas as a health alternative to processed foods for children. Be sure to research banana health facts to acquaint yourself with the total spectrum of nutrition benefits.
Bananas are eaten raw or cooked into muffins, cakes and other treats; blended into smoothies or sliced over yogurt. One of the most versatile and nutritious foods, bananas are good for you, easy to store and easy to eat.
Health Facts About Bananas
Anemia
Bananas pack a punch of iron with high quantities of natural iron, which is easily absorbable and a good choice in the treatment of anemia.
Weight Loss
As an aid to losing weight, bananas make the perfect snack as they are low in calories for the natural energy it delivers. The fiber helps with overall digestion and bananas quiet a hungry tummy. Bananas work efficiently to deliver nutrients and to aid elimination, thus leading to better bowel and colon health.
Heart Health
The potassium in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and prevent elevated levels. Potassium is vital for heart health; however, potassium deficiency is common, and bananas are a natural and excellent source. The American Heart Association has named bananas as good for heart health when eaten with a balanced diet.
Blood Sugar
The B6 in bananas converts carbs to sugars or glucose and along with the manganese aid in the maintenance of blood sugar levels.
Moods and Smoking
Bananas have tryptophan, which is a kind of protein converted into serotonin, a needed mood-leveling natural chemical. Bananas are an excellent quit-smoking aid. Furnishing good levels of B vitamins, along with the potassium, bananas can help with the effects of tobacco withdrawal.
Age-Related Vision
Macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss in seniors. Bananas are a natural preventative measure against macular degeneration.
Cautions
Some people with latex allergies find they are intolerant to banana. One of its ingredients, chitinases, is associated with latex allergies. Freeze bananas before they go brown to maintain the highest nutritional value. Watch where you walk. British statistics reported over 300 slip and fall accidents in 2001 because of banana peels.
References
Nutrition Data: Bananas, raw
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1846/2
Michigan State University: Bananas
https://www.msu.edu/~sindijul/Fruits%20and%20Vegetables/BANANAS.htm
Health Diaries: 25 Facts About Bananas
https://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/25-facts-about-bananas.html
Banana Image - public domain
