Stop peeling bananas wrong! Here’s why you should keep fibers
The doctor explained the benefits of banana fiber (photo: Freepik)
Many people, when eating bananas, remove the fibers found during the peeling process. However, it turns out that these fibers have certain health benefits, according to the Instagram page of American doctor Manuel Viso.
Why you shouldn’t remove fibers from bananas
These parts, known as phloem bundles, actually contain a range of vital nutrients.
According to the doctor, discarding this part of the banana results in the loss of a high concentration of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which is responsible for mood regulation.
"Next time you eat a banana, don’t throw away these fibers. This way, you can fully benefit from the advantages this fruit offers when included in your regular diet," he explained.
These fibers are rich in fiber — a crucial carbohydrate that aids digestion and is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.
Phloem bundles make up the plant's vascular system, distributing nutrients throughout the fruit.
However, it is important to consume a significant amount of these fibers to gain any health benefits.
"They are present in such small quantities compared to the rest of the banana that if you don’t eat them in large amounts separately, they won’t impact the overall nutritional profile of the banana," he said.
Benefits of bananas
In addition to phloem bundles, bananas offer various health advantages. Their potassium content can not only provide an energy boost but may also help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. The fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium in bananas can also contribute to heart health.
A medium-sized banana (approximately 120 g) contains 430 mg of potassium, accounting for about 15% of the daily requirement for this micronutrient.
The fruit also helps strengthen the nervous system and improve or stabilize sleep and memory. Eating bananas can help reduce stress and increase the body’s resilience to mental fatigue due to the magnesium content in the fruit.
Bananas are also high in vitamin B6, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
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.
