Banana, aka yellow fruit and humble fruit, has numerous benefits for us humans that cannot be matched by any other fruit. Minerals, vitamin B6 and C, fiber, and carbohydrates are placed in abundance in this fruit by the nature. Besides, it’s economical, delicious, and easily available. Take a look at its valuable benefits:
The power of fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Though gastric disturbances are a common problem, it could very well be tackled by stimulating the production of friendly bacteria with the help of FOS present in bananas and their probiotic effect. Besides, the yellow fruit helps in eradicating toxicants and fluids from the body with its diuretic effect which in turn helps to eliminate diseases like kidney stone. Calcium absorption promoted by the fermentation of FOS also helps in making bones stronger.
Potassium intake increase
While controlling sodium intake is important to protect yourself from high blood pressure, it is as significant as increasing potassium intake in your daily diet up to 4,700 mg minimally per day. Banana could help you keep your blood pressure in control and guard you against heart disorders. Moreover, it could aid in maintaining the water balance in your body.
Instant energy
Banana is mostly recommended by fitness experts as an exceptional source to make up for the lost levels of glucose during workout because it provides an instant kick of energy. You could also include the fruit in your daily diet to keep yourself energized throughout the day. A banana contains 105 calories on an average.
Prevention of cancer
Lowering the risk of colorectal cancer has something to do with high intake of fibers from vegetables and fruits such as banana. The formation of free radicals is known to be the major stimulator of cancer. Rich in vitamin C, the fruit helps to battle against free radicals. On the other hand, it helps to avoid the risk of childhood leukemia when consumed along with orange (or orange juice) in the first 2 years of life.
Remedy for muscle cramps
Banana does the important job of replenishing minerals in the body because it is comprised of high levels of potassium and magnesium. Next time, if you don’t want to experience sudden, painful cramps in leg muscles late at night or during workout, start your day with a banana. It will help you to avoid any further possibilities of cramps and relax your muscles.
Fiber for diabetics
The daily requirement of fiber for men is 30-38 gm and for women is 21-25 gm. While about 3 gm of fiber could be acquired from a medium sized banana, studies have shown that the fruit could be very beneficial for diabetics. Along with other high-fiber foods, it could be considered to improve blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 and type 1 diabetics.
Constipation eased out
There are a number of home remedies that witness another health benefit of the yellow fruit i.e. easing out constipation. An alternative method to use the fruit against constipation is drinking the juice prepared from the stem of banana plant. Both these methods help in bowel motility because of the high pectin and fiber content of banana.
Beauty code
Besides your beauty products, you could also consider natural skin glowing products like banana which could significantly get you supple, smooth, and rosy skin quality. Some home-made face packs essentially use overripe bananas to add to the effect. Moreover, because of its efficient moisturizing properties, the fruit is mostly suggested for people with dry skin.
Brain power
The yellow fruit comes with some of the best benefits for your brain. A popular benefit explains how cognitive declines (which are age-related) could be prevented with B-6 vitamins contained in the fruit. In terms of memory and focus too, the fruit comes to the rescue by supporting normal cognitive functioning. Besides, the magnesium content helps to enhance the focusing ability.
Goodnight sleep
It’s not a bad idea to have a banana before hitting the bed at the end of the day. Muscle relaxation and great soothing effect are primary advantages of the fruit which help to promote a good sleep. The amino acid L-tryptophan contained in the fruit is eventually transformed into melatonin and a relaxing neurotransmitter serotonin after being converted to 5-HTP in the brain. Apart from this, it helps to boost your mood.
Great sex life
Besides the phallic shape of banana, the fruit is considered to be the most suggestive food when it comes to improving sex life, especially of males. Serotonin is particularly responsible for developing the euphoric feeling after having sex. The fruit not only helps to regulate its secretion, but also produce sex hormones and thereby improve male libido. Besides, it’s great with its aphrodisiac effect.
Diarrhea treatment
Treatment of diarrhea could be considerably supported by the replenishing of electrolytes such as potassium which are usually lost in huge measures during spells of diarrhea. Other bland foods suggested for diarrhea treatment include apple sauce.
Good vision
You may give all the credit to carrots for securing eyes, but do you know that bananas too add to the benefit? An incurable eye condition called macular degeneration, which cause the blurring of central vision, is studied to be prevented by banana. The fruit is also a vital element of the proteins that bring light to the corneas. Besides, the membranes of your eyes are well preserved and nourished by vitamin A compounds present in the fruit.
