Why should you eat Bananas daily?

Banana, scientifically known as Musa acuminata is a nutrient-dense fruit with several health benefits.

Bananas are a rich source of Vitamin C, flavonoids, and amines that act as an antioxidants.

It is an excellent fruit source of Vitamin B6. The body easily absorbs vitamin B6 from the banana, an average-sized banana provides around 25% of the daily Vitamin B6 requirement.

Bananas also contain vital minerals like potassium and manganese. It is also a good source of fiber, an average banana provides 10 to 12% of daily fiber requirement.

It is low in calories and an average-sized banana contains about 112 calories. Bananas are healthy and contain natural sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

Bananas can be consumed raw, baked, as a snack, can be added to shakes and smoothies, and even many dishes can be made from raw bananas like banana chips and banana wafers.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bananas contain the following macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Pros of Eating Bananas

1. Dietary fiber present in bananas may help improve digestion.

2. Bananas are low in calories and high in fiber which may aid weight management when consumed in moderation.

3. Presence of minerals like potassium and magnesium can improve heart health.

4. Antioxidants in Bananas prevent cell damage by harmful free radicals.

5. Soluble fiber in Bananas may help keep you fuller for longer.

6. Unripe or green bananas contain resistant starch which may improve insulin sensitivity.

7. Potassium present in the bananas may improve kidney health.

8. Potassium and magnesium in bananas act as electrolytes which may support exercise recovery.

9. Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6 which helps produce red blood cells, benefits liver and kidney health, and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.

10. Bananas contain Vitamin C and manganese which help the body produce collagen, a protein important for healthy skin.

11. Bananas are low in sodium and high in potassium which can help control high blood pressure.

12. Bananas contain no fat and cholesterol and are an excellent energy source.

13. Tryptophan is an important amino acid present in Bananas. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin, a chemical that helps improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

14. Bananas contain lectin, a protein that can prevent cancer.

Cons of Eating Bananas

1. People with diabetes should avoid excess consumption of bananas as it may cause blood sugar spikes.

2. Unripe bananas may cause abdominal pain, gas, and bloating due to the high amount of resistant starch.

3. Bananas are rich in natural sugars and starch which can cause tooth decay.

4. Bananas contain tyramine, an amino acid that can cause headaches in some people.

5. Excessive eating of bananas can cause hyperkalemia in which the potassium levels in the blood increase.

6. People with kidney disease should avoid banana consumption due to its high potassium content.

7. Excessive consumption of bananas may cause weight gain.

Interesting Facts

1. Botanically bananas are berries as they come from the ovary of a single flower with seed present in the flesh.

2. The banana plant is not a tree but a large herb.

3. Banana’s flowers are edible.

4. There are more than 1000 varieties of bananas worldwide. The yellow banana we eat is called cavendish banana.

5. Blue java banana also known as ice cream banana has a smooth ice cream-like texture and vanilla flavor.

6. India is the world’s leading banana producer.