John, 66 years old, fell ill with the flu and ended up in the hospital. His doctor was surprised by the patient’s blood tests, which showed low cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control. When the doctor asked John for his secret, he attributed it to his daily consumption of bananas.
One of the highest calorie fruits on the market, bananas have some of the best uses for health care. Eating a banana is good for you because it contains eight amino acids that our body cannot produce alone. Bananas provide many nutrients, including vitamin B6, fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and manganese. A medium-ripe banana provides:
- About 28 g of carbohydrates.
- 1 g of protein.
- 15 g of natural sugar.
- 3 g of fiber.
- 450 mg of potassium.
- 0 g of fat.
- 89 calories.
1 – Fiber. The most common starch in bananas is resistant starch, which passes through the intestine without being digested. This starch acts as a type of fiber. Healthy microbes in the large intestine convert it into butyral through fermentation. Butyral is a type of fatty acid that improves intestinal tract health.
2 – Vitamins and minerals. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, helping lower blood pressure and contributing to a healthier heart. They are also a good source of vitamin C.
3 – Vegetable compounds. Like many fruits and vegetables, bananas contain several bioactive plant compounds. Dopamine: a crucial neurotransmitter in the brain. Catechin: Among the many antioxidant flavonoids in bananas, catechin is the main one that reduces the risk of a heart attack.
4 – Cardiovascular health. Bananas are rich in potassium, a vital mineral that helps nerve cells send signals to the heart to beat regularly. It also maintains a healthy water balance in the cells and reduces the effects of excess sodium in the diet. Too much sodium and too little potassium cause high blood pressure.
5 – Digestive health. Patients with diarrhea and other stomach ailments who require bland, easy-to-digest foods follow the BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast). Bananas help replenish electrolytes lost with vomiting or diarrhea.
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