Banana or plantain is a well-known source of potassium, an essential nutrient that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. Potassium and sodium work hand in hand. Sodium helps the body retain water, and potassium helps remove excess fluid. Potassium is necessary for the proper functioning of all living cells, and few foods have more of this nutrient than bananas. Read on to find out why the banana is an extraordinary fruit to consume every day.
Banana is a fruit with a large amount of antioxidants
From a protection point of view, the banana is high in a variety of compounds, many of which are antioxidants. While blueberries, acai, mangosteen, and other fruits are known to be rich in antioxidants , bananas are especially loaded with these compounds, which help reduce premature aging of the body’s cells.
Alpha linolenic acid, one of these compounds, demonstrates significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. Alpha linolenic acid also increases immune function and improves blood circulation. It also helps in the following:
Banana helps digestion and is a natural laxative
Bananas also help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, thanks to pectin (a soluble fiber also called hydrocolloid) that helps stabilize the digestive system, normalize intestinal transit and relieve constipation.
This fruit also has an antacid effect and stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach, which helps protect against stomach acids . Banana also helps kill bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.
Banana prevents cancer
The plantain or banana contains the fighters called catechins and delphinidin. They are natural antioxidants. Studies have shown that diets rich in bananas and other fruits can reduce the risk of breast cancer. They also help greatly decrease the risk of developing kidney cancer.
Helps with calcium absorption
Banana contains high levels of fructoolgosaccharides (also called oligofructans or oligofructans or FOS for short), which promote calcium absorption. FOS nourish healthy bacteria in the colon and increase the body’s ability to absorb nutrients .
Helps improve nerve function
It is a support to generate good nerve and muscle function. Prevents muscle cramps after each exercise.
Improves mood
As much as the banana has a protective effect, it is also a very important food of humor. It is an excellent source of two important compounds in the brain, dopamine and serotonin.
Dopamine is the primary chemical “prize” in our bodies. When we do something and feel a sense of satisfaction, satisfaction is the effect of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine helps protect against some types of neuro-degeneration, including Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine demonstrates numerous benefits for the brain, helps to strengthen the heart and improves circulation.
Serotonin , on the other hand, may be the best known of all brain chemicals. Serotonin is our neurotransmitter called “feel good.” Serotonin is absolutely essential for mood, and it is the target of numerous antidepressant drugs.
Some of these drugs work to increase serotonin production, while others help keep serotonin in the brain for longer periods of time. Of all its many known functions, serotonin is a powerfully antidepressant.
Source of Vitamin B6
Just one banana contains 34% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6. This vitamin is important for general health. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, supports the functions of the nervous system, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and much more.
Effective against blood pressure
The high amounts of potassium in bananas (more than 13% of the RDA) lower blood pressure and the chance of atherosclerosis (the most common form of arteriosclerosis), heart attack and stroke.
Excellent for weight loss
Its fiber helps maintain good digestion and at the same time maintain blood sugar , which prevents overeating.
For this reason and for more, the banana or banana is a food that cannot be missing from your diet on a daily basis. Remember that eating it freshly peeled is how you best take advantage of its nutrients.