Reduces risk of stroke and cholesterol levels in body: Fruit you should eat often
How bananas are beneficial for weight loss (Photo: Freepik)
Bananas are a popular quick snack, as they are tasty, convenient, and available at any time. Consuming them daily can improve your quality of life, according to Ukrainian nutritionist Natalia Samoylenko.
Benefits of eating bananas
Consuming one banana a day can help:
- Increase the intake of electrolytes, such as potassium, which is essential for normal muscle function.
- Lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Support good gut bacteria, as bananas contain vitamin B6, necessary for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism and brain health.
- Improve gut health and blood sugar levels, as green bananas contain resistant starch.
Bananas are also beneficial because 100 grams provide 18-22% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6. This vitamin is crucial for metabolism and absorption of nutrients and for the health of skin, muscles, eyes, and the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
A medium-sized banana (weighing approximately 120 grams) contains 110 kcal, including 28 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of naturally occurring sugars, 1 gram of protein, and 3-5 grams of fiber (depending on ripeness).
Yellow vs. green bananas: Which is healthier?
For improving digestive health, both ripe and green bananas offer benefits:
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Ripe bananas contain soft fiber that is easily digestible, even for individuals with certain stomach conditions.
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Green bananas, due to their insoluble fibers, help maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer time. They also contain significantly fewer carbohydrates and tend to be more astringent in taste, sometimes even slightly bitter. Therefore, they are often paired with other foods like meat, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger.
Green bananas can be eaten raw, but they are more commonly cooked—baked, grilled, or steamed. They pair well with Indian spices, turmeric, cumin, and mustard.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
