Bananas are one of those fruits that children love because they are sweet and delicious. As we grow older and start watching what we eat, we are often told to stay away from bananas because they have too much sugar. Well, it is true that they have a lot of sugar, but the health benefits of this fruit outweigh their sweetness.
Top Benefits of Bananas
- Reduces depression: The amino acid tryptophan helps make serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates your mood.
- Regulates bowel system: Bananas are rich in fiber, so they regulate the speed of digestion.
- Heart healthy: They are rich in potassium & fiber, and low in sodium, which reduces your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
- Helps bones grow stronger: They are rich in a compound called fructooligosaccharides, which allows for an increase in the production of digestive enzymes and vitamins that help absorb bone-strengthening nutrients, like calcium and magnesium.
- Helps individuals to quit smoking: Bananas contain high levels of Vitamin C, B6, B12, and A1, as well as potassium and magnesium, which help the body cope with the effects of quitting smoking.
- Helps prevent anemia: They are high in iron, which stimulates the production of hemoglobin in the blood, which helps with anemia.
- Gives you energy: They contain 3 natural sugars: sucrose, fructose, and glucose, as well as vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber that work together to give you a little energy boost.
- Reduces cramps: Many people eat bananas to reduce leg cramps and even menstrual cramps. They are loaded with anti-cramping ingredients, such as vitamin B6 and potassium, which helps reduce water retention and bloating during menstruation.
- Brain food: They contain vitamin B6, which helps improve cognitive function. When your body metabolizes protein, it produces ammonia and the magnesium found in bananas activate an enzyme that can dispose of it. Even a small amount of brain ammonia can hinder your ability to focus and pay attention.
- Prevents ulcers: They can prevent intestinal disorders and neutralize over-acidity and reduce irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
A medium size banana has 3 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar and 120 calories. You may still think that bananas have a lot of sugar, but as you can see, bananas are really great for you!
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