15/11/2023
Benefits and health risks of bananas
1. Blood pressure
The American Heart AssociationTrusted Source (AHA) encourage people to lower their intake of salt, or sodium, and increase their consumption of foods that contain potassium. Potassium can help manage blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
A medium banana provides almost 9% of a person’s daily potassium needs, according to the nutritional information from the above sources.
2.Asthma
A 2007 study suggested that eating bananas might help prevent wheezing in children with asthma. One reason for this could be the antioxidant and potassium content of bananas. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
3.Cancer
Lectin acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body remove molecules known as free radicals. If too many free radicals build up, cell damage can occur, potentially leading to cancer
In 2004, researchers noted that children who consumed bananas, orange juice, or both appeared to have a lower risk of developing leukemia.
The study authors suggested that this could be due to the vitamin C content, as this, too, has antioxidant properties.
4.Heart health
Bananas contain fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. All of these support heart health.
A 2017 reviewTrusted Source found that people who follow a high fiber diet have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those on a low fiber diet.
5.Diabetes
The author of a 2018 reviewTrusted Source concluded that eating a high fiber diet could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and may lower blood sugar in those who already have the disease.
6.Digestive health
Bananas contain water and fiber, both of which promote regularity and encourage digestive health. One medium banana provides approximately 10% of a person’s fiber needs for a day.
Bananas are also part of an approach known as the BRAT dietTrusted Source, which some doctors recommend for treating diarrhea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Diarrhea can lead to a loss of water and electrolytes, such as potassium. Bananas can replace these nutrients.
7.Preserving memory and boosting mood
Bananas contain Trusted Source tryptophan, an amino acid that may help preserve memory, boost a person’s ability to learn and remember things, and regulate mood.
8.Potassium
Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium. Potassium helps maintainTrusted Source fluid levels in the body and regulates the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells.
Potassium also helps muscles to contract and nerve cells to respond. It keeps the heart beating regularly and can reduce the effect of sodium on blood pressure.
Potassium may reduce the risk of kidney stones forming as people age. In turn, healthy kidneys make sure that the right amount of potassium stays in the body.