Banana lovers are divided in two: those who prefer to nosh on the almost green type and those who don’t mind a bit of black speckle. Whatever the preference, there are some very good reasons why people are going bananas (did you see what we did there?) for this yellow jacket fruit.
From better health, more energy to even improving the way you look and feel, keep reading for 10 reasons you should be eating more bananas today.
Improves digestion
There’s a reason bananas are the most consumed fruit in the world, and high in dietary fibre is just one of them. Fibre can help restore normal bowel function (if you’ve had a sore tum), and is also a great source of natural laxative if you need to get things moving again.
Low calorie snack
If you want a snack that’s going to satisfy without blowing out your daily calorie intake then let it be a banana. Did you know an average banana is about 110 calories? So good.
Energy booster
Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium and many of the B group vitamins, bananas help protect and fuel the body, giving you an instant hit of energy when you need it the most. The carbohydrates in bananas also help power-up the muscles, which is why many athletes choose bananas as their go-to pre-workout or mid-break snack.
Lifts mood
Yes, this yellow fruit also has the ability to boost mood too. They’re a great source of the amino acid tryptophan, which your body converts into serotonin (the mood-elevating neurotransmitter). As well as pulling you out of the dumps, serotonin can also reduce stress, regulate good sleep and can generally just make you feel happier.
Good for the heart
Potassium is one the most vital nutrients for keeping your heart healthy. It’s a mineral needed for muscle contraction, triggering the heart to squeeze blood throughout the body. The daily recommended amount of potassium is about 2,300mg and one medium banana has about 422mg.
Fights heartburn and stomach ulcers
Bananas help neutralise acidity in the stomach and help to coat the lining and reduce irritation, especially after having a spicy meal!
Good for strong bones
To keep your bones in tip top shape, manganese is an important nutrient. Bananas are a good source of manganese, with one medium banana containing about 0.3mg.
Helps eyes
While carrots are known for being the golden vegetable for sight, bananas should be also taking a share in the praise. They contain vitamin A, which is essential for protecting your eyes, maintaining normal vision, but also for helping you see better at night.
Treatment for muscle cramps
Twitches, spasms and cramps can all come down to low levels of potassium. So with bananas having a significant amount of potassium, this can be a great source for alleviating these symptoms.
Nourishes your skin
Yep, bananas also offer many beauty benefits for your skin. Rich in powerful antioxidants, nutrients and phytochemicals, eating a banana daily can nourish and revitalise dry skin, as well as protect against free radicals that cause premature ageing. Bananas are also good for acne-prone skin. Vitamin A can help to fade scars and dark spots, while the zinc and lectin properties can fight against acne causing bacteria.
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