Health benefit of eating banana

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed

fruits in the world for good reason. The curved
yellow fruit packs a big nutritional punch, wrapped
in its own convenient packaging. Some scientists
believe that the banana may have even been the
world’s first fruit.
Dan Koeppel, author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit
That Changed the World, traces the banana back to
the Garden of Eden, where he believes it was the
banana, not the apple, that was the “forbidden fruit”
that Eve offered Adam.
Health Benefits Of Bananas
Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is
essential to lowering blood pressure, however
increasing potassium intake may be just as
important because of its vasodilation effects. Also of
note, a high potassium intake is associated with a
20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.
Asthma: A study conducted by the Imperial College
of London found that children who ate just one
banana per day had a 34% less chance of
developing asthma.
Cancer: Consuming bananas, oranges and orange
juice in the first two years of life may reduce the
risk of developing childhood leukaemia. As a good
source of vitamin C, bananas can help combat the
formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
High fibre intakes from fruits and vegetables like
bananas are associated with a lowered risk of
colorectal cancer.
Heart health: The fibre, potassium, vitamin C and
B6 content in bananas all support heart health. An
increase in potassium intake along with a decrease
in sodium intake is the most important dietary
change that a person can make to reduce their risk
of cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics
who consume high-fibre diets have lower blood
glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have
improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One
medium banana provides about 3 grams of fibre.
Treating diarrhoea: Bland foods such as apple
sauce and bananas are recommended for diarrhoea
treatment. Electrolytes like potassium are lost in
large quantities during bouts of diarrhoea and may
make those affected feel weak. Bananas can help
to promote regularity and replenish potassium
stores.
Preserving memory and boosting mood: Bananas
also contain tryptophan; an amino acid that studies
suggest plays a role in preserving memory and
boosting your mood.
Risks and precautions
Beta-blockers, a type of medication most
commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause
potassium levels to increase in the blood. High
potassium foods such as bananas should be
consumed in moderation when taking beta-
blockers. Consuming too much potassium can be
harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully
functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove
excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.
Banana peels: edible or poisonous?
It turns out that the biggest risk from a banana peel
might really be slipping on it. Banana peels are not
poisonous. In fact, they’re edible, and packed with
nutrients. “Banana peel is eaten in many parts of
the world, though [it’s] not very common in the
west,” Flores said. “It contains high amounts of
vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and
potassium. It also contains some fibre and protein.”
According to a 2011 article in the journal of Applied
Biochemistry and Biotechnology, banana peels also
have “various bioactive compounds like
polyphenols, carotenoids and others.”
It is important to carefully wash a banana peel
before eating it due to the pesticides that may be
sprayed in banana groves.
Banana peels are usually served cooked, boiled or
fried in some capacity, though they can be eaten
raw or put in a blender with other fruits. They are
not as sweet as banana flesh. Riper peels will be
sweeter than unripe ones.
Stay Healthy!!!