Bananas are the most popular fruit in the United States. You might be already eating a lot of bananas or you might be someone who is looking for reasons to increase your fruit intake. In any both cases, you need to know these five major banana benefits.
1. Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and brain disease.
To lower your blood pressure it is recommended to eat more potassium. As a matter of fact, bananas are rich in potassium. One average-size banana has around 12 percent of your daily value of potassium. Even the Harvard School of Public Health recommends eating potassium-rich foods to push your blood pressure down.
2. Appetite Control
Bananas are rich in fiber. An average-sized banana contains up to 12 percent of daily fiber value.
Rich-fiber diet has numerous benefits. It helps to lower cholesterol levels, normalize bowel movements, control blood sugar and helps in achieving healthy weight. Furthermore, fiber slows down digestion. As a result, you feel fuller longer after you eat. If you want to cut calories and lose weight – this is a solution for you.
3. Cancer Prevention
One of another amazing banana benefits is some types of cancer prevention. Research (done by American Institute for Cancer Research) shows that dietary fiber “convincingly” lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, vitamin C, “probably” lowers the risk of esophageal cancer. A banana contains about 17 percent of daily value of vitamin C. The studies might not be 100% convincing, but eating a banana every day would not hurt.
4. Sport Drink Substitute
If you are looking to substitute your sport drink with something more natural – look no further! Research conduced by Appalachian State University concluded that eating a banana pre- or mid-workout helped to fuel performance as well as sports drinks. Carbs available in bananas can be converted quickly into energy. Furthermore, potassium can help to prevent dehydration.
5. Stronger Bones
Potassium makes bananas a great choice for those who is looking to build stronger bones. Studies show that potassium-rich foods can significantly reduce bone loss. Moreover, bananas can help to prevent osteoporosis.
Leave a Reply