Bananas are a wonderful food. They are readily available all year round, they come in their own neat package, making them very portable, and bananas are quite tasty with just a hint of sweetness. There are many benefits to eating bananas regularly for both physical and mental health. Bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition as they are high in Vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber and low in fat.
Cardiovascular Health
With their high potassium content, bananas help to maintain normal blood pressure and can help lower blood pressure as part of a healthy diet which can help protect against atherosclerosis or hardening/narrowing of the arteries. Bananas also contain a fat known as sterols which can block the body’s absorption of unhealthy dietary cholesterol.
Digestive Health
Bananas are high in fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. The fiber slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The fruit is also considered a pre-biotic, meaning it helps the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which are necessary for normal digestive function and maintaining a healthy weight. Bananas also act as an antacid, helping to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Mental Health
Bananas contain high amounts of tryptophan, which the body needs to produce serotonin, a mood-boosting brain chemical, so they can help with depression as well as improve mood and promote relaxation for women suffering from PMS.
Overall Health
Bananas help increase the body’s absorption of calcium, which maintains strong, healthy bones. They also contain antioxidants which help protect against chronic illness. Bananas high levels of Vitamin B6 aid the body’s recovery from nicotine withdrawal when you quit smoking, strengthens the nervous system, and aids in the body’s production of white blood cells.
Bananas are one of nature’s best foods with a myriad of health benefits that have only been briefly touched on here. They should become a regular part of a healthy diet to maintain health and well-being.
