As we all know the banana is a fruit and is cherished by almost all children! However, most adults keep a distance from it as they think that banana is full of fat and eating it may add extra fat to their body. However this is nowhere near the truth. What we do not know is that banana has zero fat and zero cholesterol.
So why worry about the non-existent fat that would not get tucked up in your belly?
On the contrary banana has many health benefits. Banana is primarily made up of three types of sugars namely glucose, fructose and sucrose. These three sugars are a source of immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy. This is why bananas are easily digestible which in turn provide a quick supply of energy to the blood stream. Research results has shown similar results in support of this statement; it has been proved that two bananas provide energy that is enough for a strenuous 90 min work out. In addition to this, bananas are rich in antioxidants and contain some amount of fiber.
How good is a banana for your body?
Bananas are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. A medium sized banana contains as high as 400mg of potassium. Potassium is a mineral good for your heart and nerves. It is also beneficial for proper muscle contraction; normal rhythmic pumping of the heart, improves digestion and muscular movements. Research has shown that low potassium intake can be a risk factor for causes of high blood pressure and stroke.
High potassium content of banana makes its beneficial for kidneys and bones. Normal intake of potassium in your daily diet suppresses the calcium excretion in the urine thereby minimizing the risk of development of kidney stones. It also aids in minimizing the loss of calcium from the body and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Apart from potassium, bananas are rich in iron and also have a high content of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in converting tryptophan to serotonin; don't worry if you don't know what this means, it helps the body produce antibodies and thereby maintains a healthy immune system. It also helps in conversion of carbohydrates to glucose and maintains proper glucose levels.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, bananas are also a good source of dietary fiber. A medium sized banana contains about 16% of the daily recommended dietary fiber intake for a normal adult. Fiber is known for improving bowel movements, it also lowers the risk of development of coronary artery disease as well as Type 2 diabetes.
We can safely conclude that bananas have many beneficial health effects. Not to mention they are affordable by the population at large. They serve as a cheap source of nutrition.
Include one banana daily in your diet and have a healthier heart and stronger bones. A banana a day will drive anemia away!
