Banana – A Wonder Fruit!!!

Updated on February 6th, 2020
banana benefits

Bananas are sweet, sugary and loved by many. Bananas offer a lot of health benefits as they are loaded with carbohydrates, minerals and fiber.

But people have many misconceptions about bananas though dieticians prescribe having bananas as a part of their diet.

Some of us think that having bananas add up to our body weight and also increase the sugar levels of the blood. Well, here is why you should consider eating bananas as a part of your regular diet.

  1. Blood Sugar Level
  2. Maintains Heart Health
  3. Source Of Antioxidants
  4. Digestive Health
  5. Aid in kidney functioning
  6. Cures Ulcers And Heartburn
  7. Helps In Weight Management

Types of Bananas

1. Cavendish Bananas

These are the regular yellow bananas.

2. Apple Bananas

They are from wet tropical forests of Hawaii that are firm, and slightly pinkish.

3. Lady’s Finger Bananas

They are smaller and sweeter than the common Cavendish bananas.

Eat Like a Celebrity – Know The 6 Favorite Foods of Every Celebrity

4. Burro Bananas

They are chunkier than the Cavendish bananas and have a balanced taste.

5. Plantain Bananas

These are the cooking bananas grown in many tropical countries.

6. Baby Bananas

They are the small, cute bananas, half the size of the Cavendish bananas.

7. Red Bananas

This delicious variety of bananas found mostly in the US.

banana benefits - infographic

Nutritional Facts of Bananas

Bananas are rich in various nutrients which makes them a great food to be included in your diet. Though many people wrongly think that they have large amounts of sugar, they are otherwise sources of good carbohydrates which are good for health.

Another fact is that bananas do not have that high calories contrast to what people believe. Instead, an average sized banana has only 105 calories, majority of which is good carbohydrates. In addition, bananas are high in fiber which further adds in regulating bowel movements and maintaining better digestive system. The high fiber content in bananas actually help in maintaining a controlled body weight

Bananas also strengthens the heart against cardiac diseases and also aid in preventing many kinds of cancer.

Bananas are low on protein and fats, but they are a rich source of several vitamins and minerals. As they are high in potassium, bananas help in controlling blood pressure and better cardiovascular health. Bananas are also a great source of Vitamin C, B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Folate and B6.

11 Best Foods to Relieve Constipation Quickly and Naturally

Health Benefits of Bananas

Now that you are clear about the nutritional values of bananas, below are the reasons why Bananas are considered a part of a healthy diet and why you should not miss this commonly available, yet amazing fruit.

1. Bananas help in regulating blood sugar level

bananas for regulating blood sugar level

Though bananas are considered a sugary fruit, they actually help in controlling sudden fluctuations of the sugar levels in the blood. As bananas have low glycemic percentage, they do not increase sugar levels of the blood.

Unripe green bananas are also quite beneficial as they contain a high amount of resistant starch which acts as soluble fiber and evade digestion, thus preventing any rise in the sugar level.(2).

2. Bananas help in maintaining heart health

bananas for heart health

Bananas have a high amount of potassium which is a useful mineral for your body. Potassium is known to play a vital role in managing your blood pressure. Bananas can fulfill the potassium requirement of your body thus keeping your blood pressure under check.

Potassium also helps in keeping your heart healthy, reducing your risk to various cardiovascular diseases. Bananas are also a great source of magnesium which is also known to maintain the health of your heart.

3. Bananas are a rich source of antioxidants

Bananas are known to contain high amounts of antioxidants that keep you healthy and happy. The presence of antioxidants helps in cleansing your body systems, thus keeping you healthy and at bay from various diseases. The high amounts of antioxidants keep you young and active

4. Bananas boost digestive health

As you know, the content of fiber in bananas is high which is one of the primary reasons behind the several health benefits of bananas. The high amount of fiber in the bananas is excellent for your digestive health. It regulates your bowel movement which keeps your digestive system functioning at its best.

Are You Drinking Water At The Right Times Of The Day?

5. Bananas maintain the health of your kidneys

banana for health of your kidneys

Bananas are also known to aid in better kidney functioning. The presence of fibers and minerals improves digestion and maintain blood pressure that helps in the smooth operation of the kidneys. It helps in keeping your organs healthy so that they can work optimally keeping various diseases at bay.(4).

[ Read: Foods to Maintain for Good Kidney Health ]

6. Bananas can cure ulcers and heartburn

Studies show that including bananas in your diet can prevent ulcers. Bananas help in maintaining the pH level of your stomach. Further, these are also known to protect the mucus lining.

Studies show that including bananas in your diet can prevent ulcers. Bananas help in maintaining the pH level of your stomach. Further, these are also known to protect the mucus lining. Eating them on a regular basis can thicken the lining of the mucus thus preventing it from getting damaged due to the action of the hydrochloric acid secreted during digestion. Protease inhibitors found in bananas help in eliminating stomach bacteria that may cause ulcers.

Eating them on a regular basis can thicken the lining of the mucus thus preventing it from getting damaged due to the action of the hydrochloric acid secreted during digestion. Protease inhibitors found in bananas help in eliminating stomach bacteria that may cause ulcers in the stomach (5).

7. Bananas can help in weight management

bananas for weight management

Bananas are super fruits with many benefits of which one is weight management. You can very well maintain your weight and health by including them in your diet.

The amount of Calories and fiber present in bananas make them one of the wholesome foods and that is why you can control food cravings by eating a banana, thus maintaining a controlled body weight.

[ Read: Essential Oils for Weight Loss ]

Are Bananas Fattening or weight loss friendly?

Do bananas make you fat? Do bananas help in weight loss? Should they be included in the diet?  Several questions might be popping in your mind. Here are the answers to all your queries that can help you in figuring out whether to include bananas in your diet or not.

Do bananas make you fat? Do bananas help in weight loss? Should they be included in the diet?  Several questions might be popping in your mind. Here are the answers to all your queries that can help you in figuring out whether to include bananas in your diet or not. Bananas are certainly nutritious. The high amount of fiber, antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals make them great food and a must to be included in your diet. These high on nutrients fruits are a rich source of energy and can help in weight loss as well as weight gain based on the way you consume them.

How to lose weight by eating bananas?

Bananas are weight loss friendly. Well, you may be surprised, but yes, the nutrition values of bananas indicate that they can be an excellent choice for weight loss. You can lose weight by eating bananas as these contain a high amount of fiber which make them, the right choice for the cause.

It means that the satiating fiber content reduces your food cravings, thus controls your appetite. You would consume lesser calories than usual. Lesser calories directly affect your weight. Also increased body metabolism helps regulate the body weight.

How to include bananas in your diet for weight loss?

If you are working towards shedding some pounds then following are the ways how you can include the fruit in your diet to accelerate weight loss owing to the nutritional facts of bananas.

If you are working out, then have a banana before or after your work-out. Having bananas before a workout is quite beneficial. The high content of carbohydrates will provide you with instant energy and stamina for exercise. You can also eat them after a workout to satiate your hunger. You tend to feel hungrier after a rigorous workout. Bananas with rich fiber will satisfy your craving. Further, the carbs in banana and other nutrients will replenish the loss of energy and other vital nutrients from your body.

Bananas are a breakfast staple. Include them in your diet and feel energized and fuller for longer.

Bananas can also help in taming bloating. Thus if you tend to have bloated stomach after meals then include them in your diet. If consumed in moderation, bananas can help satiate your hunger and keep you fit. Another point to note is that if you are working towards weight loss then include not more than five bananas per day in your diet.

The Morning Banana Diet

The morning banana diet is a popular diet for weight loss in Japan. It is claimed that, if followed correctly it can help one in losing oodles of weight. The diet plan provided by Sumiko Watanabe and her husband Hamachi is as follows:

  • Start your day with a glass of water on an empty stomach. After that, have one banana in your breakfast. If you feel hungry, you can have more but make sure that you do not overeat.
  • If you are still hungry, then you can eat something lighter with lesser calories, fifteen to twenty minutes after eating bananas.
  • You can have anything for your lunch and dinner but avoid eating fried, junk and processed foods. Also, avoid eating desserts after meals. The diet plan also recommends you to have your dinner before 8:00 pm. Also do not fill your stomach too much. Keep your stomach 80% full.
  • The only beverage included in the Japanese diet plan is water. Drink adequate amount of water. Too much water may cause bloating in the stomach. It is a recommendation that you drink water kept at room temperature and in small sips.
  • If you feel an urge for having something in between your meals, then you can have light snacks like popcorn. You may also have a banana. Check your fried food intake.
  • According to the Morning banana diet, you must have a four-hour gap between your last meal and bedtime.

The diet is claimed to be beneficial for weight loss as including bananas in your breakfast is a healthy choice. The raw bananas are known to contain digestive enzymes that boost your metabolism and improve digestion. Thus, helping with weight loss.

Know The 4 Secret DIY for Losing Weight Instantly

How to include bananas in your diet for weight gain?

Do you know over 150 countries produce bananas, and there are about 1000 types of bananas grouped into 50 categories? Hence they can be used in varied ways.

If you are thin, then the most common advice you get is to eat a banana. Many would prefer bananas for weight gain. It is because they contain a right amount of carbohydrates that can help in weight gain if consumed correctly.

If you are trying to gain weight, then the best way to include a banana in your diet is to make a milkshake. Yes, the combination of milk and bananas for weight gain is perfect. You can add nuts and other fruits to the shake to make it much more nutritious.

You can also make smoothies that can help in weight gain. As these recipes contain natural sugars of banana and no empty calories, these are quite healthy and assist in healthily gaining weight.

Banana Shake recipe

banana shake recipe

Banana shakes are delicious and great for gaining weight. Here is an easy to try banana milkshake recipe that can help you in gaining weight.

How to prepare?

  • Take a blender
  • Add to it one to two sliced bananas and a glass of milk.
  • You can add sugar and ice if you wish to.
  • Also, add around five almonds
  • Blend the contents to obtain a creamy mixture
  • Pour the contents into the glass and enjoy the delicious shakes.
  • You can add different flavors of ice creams and other nuts to the recipe to make it much more flavorsome

Bananas are incredible fruits with numerous benefits. Like every other fruit, these have a positive influence on your health. Bananas can do wonders for you, no matter whether you consume them for weight loss or weight gain.

All they serve to be is a source of various nutrients that are beneficial to you. So, without any second thought, add these to your diet and enjoy their several benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many bananas can I consume in a day?

One must consume everything in moderation as too much of it can have an adverse effect. Hence, to enjoy the benefits of banana, it is advised that you must eat them in moderation. What amount you should eat depends on your body’s nutrient requirement.

On an average, an adult can have two bananas every day to keep healthy and fit. Overconsumption of the fruit may cause constipation. Also, too high levels of potassium can harm your body.

2. Why is it bad to eat bananas at night?

Bananas are nutritious, but most people avoid eating them at night. The reason behind it is that bananas are known to aggravate a cough and cold especially when eaten before bedtime.

Bananas are also heavy, and it takes a lot of time to digest them. These are known to provide high energy which is not a requirement at that time as you wish to sleep and rest your body.

3. Does freezing bananas destroy their nutrients?

Bananas contain water, so when you freeze them, water in the bananas freezes and expands affecting their state. It destroys their nutrient composition too. Using them in frozen form in smoothies changes their original nutrition value. To avoid it you can cool them in the refrigerator but do not let them freeze.

Sign up for our Newsletter !
Get access to quality &
Natural Health Tips right from the Experts
Subscribe !
View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top

Sign up for our Newsletter !
Get access to quality &
Natural Health Tips right from the Experts
Subscribe !
Send this to a friend