Bananas need no introduction. They are widespread in almost every culture and their true origin is from Malaysia.
It’s one of my favorite fruits because it’s ready, delicious, and most importantly, very nutritious.
There are about 300 species of banana, but only about 20 are grown commercially. And they come in different sizes.
When ripe, the peel turns yellow. It can be easily peeled and eaten as is. The fruit is sweet, the texture is soft, smooth, dense, but firm pulp that is easy to digest.
Interesting fact: the banana plant is not a tree, but a very large grass!
health benefits of bananas
WHY EAT 3 BANANAS A DAY?
Did you know that if you eat at least three bananas a day, you can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack? Eating a banana for breakfast, lunch, and dinner provides enough potassium to reduce the risk of developing brain clots by 21%, according to research.
A 2011 report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that foods high in potassium, especially bananas and most fruits and vegetables, may help prevent or even reduce the risk of stroke.
Researchers found that consuming 1,600 mg of potassium per day reduced the risk of stroke. A medium-sized banana contains about 500 mg of potassium, and three bananas a day can lower blood pressure and improve brain and nervous system function.
BASICS OF EATING BANANAS
Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that is essential for normal muscle function in both voluntary muscles (such as the arms and hands) and involuntary muscles (such as the heart and intestines).
They are also a good source of dietary fiber and are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is one of the few fruits that contains complete amounts of B vitamins, including thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), folic acid (B6), and very little B5 and B12.
Compared to apples
4 times more protein, 2 times more carbohydrates, 3 times more phosphorus, 5 times more vitamin A and iron, and 2 times more other vitamins and minerals.
In addition to all of the above, bananas contain a sufficient amount of copper (prevents hair loss), chromium, fluorine, manganese, selenium (prevents pigmentation), and zinc. This is a wonderful fruit!
Thank God for bananas.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BANANAS
Banana relieves many short and long term diseases. It has also been reported to reduce the risk of death from stroke by 40% if used regularly.
Banana consumption is effective in overcoming or preventing many diseases and disorders. Let’s mention only some of them:
Anemia: Bananas contain iron, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, myoglobin and many enzymes needed to make red blood cells.
Blood pressure: A recent study found that “three bananas a day keep blood pressure within normal range.” It is certainly a cheaper and healthier alternative to expensive and toxic drugs.
Brain food: Studies have shown that students who eat bananas during breakfast, recess, and lunch are more alert in class. Bananas, rich in potassium and magnesium, increase their mental alertness and greatly support their learning. It’s also a great food to lift your spirits, so grab a banana or two or three the next time you’re feeling down!
Constipation: The pectin in bananas has the ability to absorb water, creating the volume needed to relieve constipation. Definitely a healthier option than laxatives.
Diarrhea: eat a ripe banana. It absorbs a lot of water, normalizes the function of the large intestine, and helps regulate proper bowel movements.
Energy: Carbohydrates in bananas are used as fuel for muscles. Eating bananas can help boost energy levels in athletes.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body, so if you’re experiencing heartburn, try eating a banana to neutralize stomach acid and soothe it.
Morning Sickness: Regular consumption of bananas helps maintain high blood sugar levels and thus prevents nausea.
Mosquito bites: For mosquito bites, try rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected area. It is amazingly effective in reducing swelling and itching.
Muscle spasms: Potassium deficiency increases muscle spasms and susceptibility to injury. If you exercise a lot, include bananas in your diet regularly to increase energy and prevent stomach cramps and injuries.
along with the stomach. It neutralizes the excessive acidity of the gastric juice and reduces the irritation of the ulcer by covering the mucous membrane of the stomach. Ripe bananas relieve acute symptoms and promote the healing process.
Stress: When we are stressed, our metabolic rate increases, which in turn decreases the amount of potassium in the body. Eating potassium-rich bananas can help balance vital minerals and keep your heart beating normally. This in turn sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body’s water balance.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Eat bananas when they are almost ripe. This is when the carbohydrate content is lower than when fully ripe. Unripe bananas are not very tasty and are difficult to digest. Keep raw bananas at room temperature for natural ripening.