Top 10 benefits of banana

Top 10 benefits of banana…

The exact topic of this article first appeared on naijaonpoint.com

Bananas are one popular fruit grown and sold at markets and stores worldwide. Not only can it be bought at affordable prices, it has found its way into many favorite fruits list. Bananas are available in different sizes, and colour. The most common variety are the green and yellow bananas, with the green less ripened than the yellow ones.

Bananas can be consumed in different ways. They can be eaten raw, or incorporated into smoothies and fruit juices. For kids, they serve as excellent snack. Bananas can be made into fries- banana fries, an alternative to potato fries. They can also be boiled and eaten with sauce, or eaten alongside rice or groundnuts. Bananas can be grinded into flour (banana flour). Although gluten free, they contain a higher level of starch content. Banana flour can serve as great alternative to less-healthy white flours as well as an ingredient for a brownie desert recipe.

From controlling blood sugar and blood pressure levels, to improving mood and digestion, their benefits to man, are innumerable. However, in this writing, we will be discussing the top 10 benefits of bananas.

Read on.

Nutritional profile of Bananas

Bananas are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They contain antioxidants and a fair amount of fiber. However, the yellow bananas have a less fiber content compared to the green bananas. This is because as the fruit ripens, there is a reduction in the fiber content, and it becomes more sweetened. A regular sized banana consists mainly of carbs, water, little protein and no fat content.

One banana (126 grams) also contains calories, Vitamin B, C, Folate, Riboflavin, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium and so on.

Now to the benefits of bananas.

Top 10 Benefits of Bananas

We have compiled for you, a list of the top 10 benefits of bananas.

See below:

Increase Energy levels:

Bananas are great sources of energy. They contain carbs and sugars (glucose and fructose), which after consumption are absorbed into the bloodstream, and lead to immediate energy boost. Additionally, bananas also provide long-lasting energy that increases stamina.

2. Control Blood Sugar levels:

Bananas also contain a type of sugar, sucrose. Unlike the other sugars- glucose and fructose that are absorbed immediately, sucrose isnt. It is absorbed slowly. This helps keep the blood sugar level in check, so that there isnt a spike of any sort.

3. Regulate High Blood Pressure:

The presence of key minerals in bananas can help in regulation of blood pressure. Adequate consumption of this fruit also helps reduce risk of developing heart disease. Bananas are great diet addition for patients with high blood pressure, as it helps reduce their blood pressure levels.

4. Improve Brain Health:

Eating bananas are also great for the brain and nervous system. They activate consciousness, alertness, and makes you receptive to learning. They also improve focus and concentration, and are tagged great meal sources for students intending to write exams.

More so, they improve mental health and mood. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which when released stimulate the feeling of happiness and boost mood.

5. Regulate Sleep pattern:

Bananas are great for those suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders. They help regulate and promote a healthy sleep pattern. This is attributed to the presence of Vitamins B, known to produce a calming and relaxing effect on the body.

6. Promote Weight Loss:

Although bananas possess a fair amount of fiber, they can help keep you full for a longer time and curbs appetite. This can prevent overeating, and promote weight loss, as there is a decreased calorie consumption.

7. Keep Bones Strong:

The presence of Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin B and C in bananas help maintain strong and healthy bones.

8. Improve Digestion and Gut Health:

Bananas, particularly the yellow ones, are great for digestion. While the yellow ones are easily digestible, the green ones are good for your gut health (by serving as food for the good bacteria in your stomach). Bananas are great for children and adults with digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset or nausea. They also prevent the risk of developing colon cancer.

9. Improve Skin and Hair Health:

Not only are bananas good for health, but their peels as well. Banana peels are good for the skin. They are full of antioxidants and vitamins, and as such can help repair damaged cells and produce a refreshing effect. Banana peels can be used to treat acne and dark spots on the skin too. To use, combine other ingredients such as turmeric, lemon juice, yoghurt and honey with mashed bananas into facemask and apply directly over blemished areas of the face. This helps prevent premature ageing and brighten your skin complexion.

In addition, mashed bananas can serve as a remedy for dried skin and be used to relieve irritations and itchiness such as from mosquito bites. More so, by placing banana peels on the eyelids, eye puffiness and dark circles around the eyes can be reduced.

The high moisture content of bananas is also good for the hair. Crushed bananas can be made into moisturizing mask and applied to the hair. This helps strengthen and nourish the hair.

10. Boost Sexual Health:

Bananas contain bromelain, potassium, and B vitamins- essential nutrients that play a key role in the regulation and production of sexual hormones. They help improve sexual functions by boosting libido and stamina. They are also natural aphrodisiacs. They set the atmosphere for fakafiki and romantica (due to the release of serotonin). To obtain maximum benefits, it is best consumed hours before the act.

Bananas are highly beneficial to sexual health. They improve male health by assisting with maintenance of a healthy prostate. By so doing reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. For women, regular consumption can make you sw*eter you know