Bananas are one of the most eaten foods around the world.
Hundreds of species are available and of which Musa species is the most common one.
These can be eaten raw, or we can mix it into smoothie, or in a peanut butter-banana sandwich, banana bread, or muffins. Interestingly, these are available at grocery stores all year long.
Health Benefits of Eating Banana
Digestive health
It is a rich source of fibre pectin as well as probiotics , so is good for the digestive system.
Heart health
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- Rich in Potassium:- Bananas are best known for containing potassium, which is a big player in heart health.
- Rich in Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Catechin, Quercetin, Lutein and Lycopene
These phytochemicals are anti- atherosclerotic in nature as these reduces serum LDL, triglycerides, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage chemo-attractant protein-1.
Anti oxidant
Bananas are also a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity Banana such as carotenoids, and antioxidant enzymes namely Catalases and Peroxidases.
Mood booster
Bananas contain essential amino acid tryptophan, and in the body gets converted to serotonin which in turn boosts mood.
Other vitamins and minerals
Bananas contain Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Magnesium too.
Banana Nutrition
One medium banana provides:-
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- 110 Calories
- 28 grams of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of protein
- 0 grams of fat
- 3 grams of fiber
- 15 grams of naturally occurring sugar
- 450 milligrams of potassium.
- Due to its Anti oxidant and Anti atherosclerotic properties many pharmaceutical companies are also showing their interest in its phytochemicals to promote health and disease control.
So, let’s aim to have 1 serving of banana everyday.