Bananas are among the most delicious, readily available, and energy-boosting fruits. Surprisingly, botanically, a banana is a type of berry that grows in clusters. There are varieties of bananas available that one can enjoy as a vegetable in its raw form or as a ripe fruit. Eating a few small-sized bananas at a time may help you feel satiated for a long duration and also provide a good amount of fibre, carbohydrates, natural sugar, vitamins, and minerals. The health benefits of bananas and their energy-boosting properties make them an excellent choice to start your day.
What are the Health Benefits of bananas?
Bananas are a great addition to your diet when you consider its availability, taste, and health benefits. Even raw bananas can make for good savoury snacks when cooked combined with the right ingredients. Both raw and ripe bananas are rich in fibre and micronutrients, making them a healthy choice.
Here are the following health benefits of bananas:
- Improve digestion
Bananas are rich in natural sugar and carbohydrates; however, the glycaemic index (a measurement of how quickly a food spikes the blood sugar level in our body, once consumed) of bananas is low. Fibre in bananas aids digestion. Bananas also contain probiotics, i.e., the good bacteria for your gut health. It also helps to reduce bloating by reducing gas and water retention in the stomach.
- Improve heart health
Bananas are rich in potassium and other minerals that help to improve heart health. These minerals help maintain blood pressure and the passage of electrical impulses from the brain.
- Enhance bone health
Ripe bananas contain a modest amount of calcium that supports bone health. The fructooligosaccharide (FOS) is a prebiotic found in bananas that helps the digestive system absorb nutrients, particularly calcium.
- Improve muscle health
Muscle soreness or aches after strenuous activity or exercise might be due to a person’s low potassium level. Eating bananas helps to get lean and strong muscles. It can also help you to recover fast after a workout session.
- Improve kidney health
Potassium in bananas improves kidney function and health.
- Helps fight anaemia
Bananas are a rich source of folate, which helps in reducing paleness and fatigue due to anaemia.