10 Benefits Of Bananas

BENEFITS OF BANANA

When I first began to work out after a long, lazy lifestyle I started searching for the best pre-and post-workout snack and I found out that one of the best pre-and post-workout snacks is none other than a staple fruit at nearly everybody’s home called “Banana”. After coming to know of all the benefits of bananas, I added them to my diet for good which I never regretted.

Origin of Bananas:

Bananas were originated in South Pacific and South East Asia around 8000 to 5000 BC. From southeast Asia, they were brought by Arab conquerors and traders to the West.

Alexander The Great and his troops are also said to introduce it to the West. They first saw and tasted it in the Indian valley when they invaded India. So, on their return to the West, they took the fruit along.

Word-Banana Origin:

In Arabic, Banan means Finger. So, Banana is called so because it is shaped like a finger and named so by Arabs.

Calories in a Banana:

A Ripe banana has 89 calories per 100 grams.

This is not just one of the benefits of bananas, it is loaded with goods which will be discussed in a while.

BENEFITS OF BANANAS:

1. Bananas are Packed with Nutrients:

There are a lot of nutrients in bananas that increase the benefits of bananas. These nutrients include Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Fiber, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Copper.

They can be called Super Food because of it.

2. Bananas Help Improve Digestion:

Banana is among one of the fruits that can improve digestion. Because of its high level of fibers, it helps in proper bowel movement, making it a good fruit to be eaten when having constipation. As it is highly nutritious and easy to eat and really light on the stomach it is given to patients with diarrhea and other stomach ailments.

But in some people, who do not have a fiber-rich diet, bananas can cause stomach discomfort. They can also cause bloating and gas due to their high fiber content and sorbitol. So, check these aspects out before having them.

3. Bananas help control sugar:

Bananas have a low glycemic index. So, it can be taken by diabetics while following a healthy diet routine. It is better for diabetics to have it thrice or four times a week instead of having it daily as it is rich in sugars and carbohydrates.

4. Best pre-workout and post-workout snack:

If you are in search of one of the best pre and post-workout snacks, then you are at the right place as Banana is your answer. You can have it as it is or you can have it with milk, yogurt, cereal, on the toast, etc. as per your likeness. Most of us have got muscle cramps and stiffness after a workout, this can be dealt with by having a banana soon after or before a workout and many people tend to get the benefits out of bananas by doing so.

5. Bananas are Heart-Friendly:

As bananas have Potassium in them in adequate amounts so it makes it beneficial to be had by a heart patient. As it helps regulate blood pressure and overall heart health.

6. Bananas are packed with antioxidants:

One of the benefits of Bananas is that they are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that keep the level of Free Radicals from increasing in the body.

Free Radicals are molecules and their increase in the body can be hazardous to it.  Free Radicals can cause a lot of complications in the body including Cancer, Tumor, Heart Diseases, Diabetes, etc.

7. Bananas are easy to use snacks:

Bananas are the easiest to eat fruit. Nowadays, when we have to disinfect and wash everything before use due to the not ending pandemic, anytime soon. The fruits and vegetables also have to be washed thoroughly before use. But bananas can be eaten by just carefully removing the peel and having it right away.

If you have come across fatigue and sudden loss of energy or have a history of a sudden drop in your sugar level while running errands, then banana is your go-to on-the-go snack as it is really very easy to pack.

8. Bananas are Super Food for Pregnant Woman:

It is safe to have 1 to 2 bananas daily by the expecting mother as it will help nourish the mother and baby equally.

Many pregnant women get anemic during pregnancy, bananas help in giving the hemoglobin production a kick.

They also work as an instant bout of energy.

9. Bananas are good for your skin:

Bananas are your answer to soft, supple, moisturized, wrinkle, and blemish-free skin. You can have a ripe banana, mash it properly with the help of a fork and apply it directly to your face or you can make a banana face mask using different ingredients as well.

All this goodness to the skin in bananas comes from the antioxidants, potassium, zinc, Vitamin A, and Manganese present in them.

Bonus: Banana honey Face mask:

1. Take a banana.
2. Peel it and place it in the bowl.
3. Mash it using a fork.
4. Add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice in it.
5. Mix it thoroughly.
6. Apply the banana honey face mask with a help of a brush for 15 minutes.
7. Once it dries, then using your fingers in circular motion, gently try to remove the mask.
8. Wash it off.

• The benefits of this face mask is that bananas will provide nutrients in the form of Vitamin A, Zinc to the skin.
• Lemon juice will provide antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and astringent properties that help to fight the dark spots, sunspots, and blemishes, lightening the skin.
• Honey will help in moisturizing the skin. It helps in opening up the pores, kicking away the dirt trapped inside. Honey is antimicrobial as well.

Bonus: Banana Yoghurt Hair Mask:

This hair mask is very tasty as well. So, if you drop the idea of applying it on hair then you can make a smoothie out of it and enjoy it in the summers as well.

1. Take the banana and place it in a bowl.
2. Mash it with the help of a fork.
3. Add 3-4 Tablespoon of unsweetened, plain Yoghurt to it.
4. Add a few drops of honey.
5. Mix it well and apply on hair from roots to tips for 25-30 minutes.
6. Then wash it off using shampoo.
7. It will leave your hair dandruff-free, soft, and shiny.

• Banana provides the nutrients.
• Yogurt clears the scalp, getting rid of dandruff, and helps hair follicle growth.
• Honey helps in moisturizing the hair and makes the hair shiny by trapping in natural moisture.

10. Benefits of Banana Peels:

The benefits of Banana Peels won’t let your attention peel away from them.

Healthy Skin:

You can also use its peel and rub it on your face and it can act as an all-natural exfoliator.

If one rubs the banana peels on the face, leaving it overnight then washing the face-off with warm water in the morning will give you tighter skin.

Shoe Shiner:

Are you short of a shoe shiner and you have an important meeting to attend first thing in the morning? Then do not panic! Banana peel is there for your rescue. Just take a banana peel and rub it over your shoe and let the natural shoe shine magic happen.

End Note:

Bananas are good for heart, stomach ailments, used as a snack, packed with nutrients. One can include bananas in their daily life but moderation is the key to everything. If we overindulge in anything, it can result in a harmful impact on our health.

As it is high in sugar content, it can lead to tooth decay. So, do brush your teeth before going to bed.

So, after reading all of these benefits of bananas, anybody would be bananas to not go bananas after it.