14 Best Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Eating Banana

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Banana has amazing health benefits. Banana is a rich source of energy as well as a storehouse of many nutrients. In terms of nutrients, a banana is on the higher side in comparison to an apple. Banana has more vitamin A, phosphorous, carbohydrate, and iron than Apple. Since banana is full of nutrients, therefore, it is considered as superfruits.

Banana is one of the very few fruits that are available throughout the year. Banana eating smoothes your digestion, maintain blood sugar level, and also checks to overeat. It is one of the best sources to provide quick energy.

Banana for weight gain

Banana helps in losing weight and obesity. A banana gives you adequate calories as 100 grams of banana provides 90 calories, and tends to fill your stomach too. Its fibers are soluble in nature which absorbs water and decreases the speed of digestion thereby makes you feel full. The roughage part in the banana also does not exert the man to eat more.

On the other hand, banana is also good for those who are underweight. Banana consists of sugars like fructose and sucrose which provide instant energy. When the banana is taken along with milk, it helps to improve weight gain because milk gives protein while banana provides sugar.

Banana lowers blood pressure

Banana is good for high blood pressure patients. Banana is an excellent source of potassium and the least amount of salts, which helps in maintaining hypertension and also prevents stroke. Because of the presence of high potassium, enables smooth blood circulation to the brain. A high level of potassium also prevents heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke. An average banana contains about 467 mg of potassium and 1 mg of sodium.

Banana for bones and teeth

Banana contains potassium that not only reduces hypertension but also protects bones and teeth from weakening. It minimizes the ill-impacts of sodium; helps to retain the concentration of calcium that is needed for the free flow of blood, proper muscle contraction, and smooth nervous function. Banana is also having manganese that promotes bone health and metabolism. Banana has probiotic bacteria that absorb calcium thus good for healthy bones. Calcium in banana prevents the thinning of bones. To develop better and strong bones, children may be given a banana.

Banana for stomach ulcers

Banana contains a compound called protease inhibitors which has an antacid effect and prevents bacteria to cause stomach problems. Bananas also help in the thickening of the stomach layer thereby prevent from peptic ulcers. It also reduces irritation in the inner lining of the stomach due to the production of mucous. Eating raw banana reduces intestinal irritation and stomach acidity. The soothing effects of banana protect the stomach against ulcers and ulcer damage. On the other hand, the presence of fiber in bananas regulates digestive functions and smoothes the regular bowel movement. Regular eating of bananas reduces the risk of gastric cancer too.

Banana for constipation cures

Banana is having adequate soluble fiber in the form of pectin also known as hydrocolloid, which is beneficial for digestion. The fibrous content of bananas helps in smooth bowel movement. Instead of using laxatives, banana is one of the important fruits that can be used as constipation home remedies. Banana is also helpful in diarrhea where it tries to restore electrolytes and helps to bind stool. The rich fiber content of the banana helps to regulate bowel movement.

Banana is good for mood

Banana is a mood elevator due to the presence of serotonin. Changes in the level of glucose in the body are responsible for mood swing, banana, which is having enough quantity of vitamin B6 show soothing effects in the mood. Banana fights depression and mood booster due to chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These bio-chemicals along with tryptophan help to lift one’s spirit. Nerve cell stimulation is also caused by bananas and good for your mood enhancement. Being a natural enhancer of mood, it is also beneficial for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Banana for instant energy

Since banana is the storehouse of nutrients and a good source of energy. Being a mood booster, it is better to eat a banana instead of taking tea or coffee while somebody is feeling tired or sluggish. The wholesome and nutritious fruit is known for instant energy and good for all ages. When the banana gets ripen, it comprises glucose, fructose, sucrose, and fiber, thus made the banana a good source of energy. Banana is also a good source of carbohydrates; so eating bananas provides prompt energy. If you are a gym-goer or jogging enthusiast; it is good to eat a banana before exercises. It is one of the best substitutes for providing energy after strenuous works. Since it is loaded with energy, so kids may be given at breakfast.

Banana for memory

Banana is loaded with nutrients and beneficial to increase and enhance brain power. Research conducted at a school in Middlesex has shown that eating a banana at breakfast, break, and lunch; enhances mental alertness and boost brainpower. It is happened due to the presence of potassium in a banana. Potassium in bananas also helps to normalize the heart rate and control the smooth flow of oxygen to the brain, thus a marvelous brain food and enhance learning abilities.

Banana for heart disease

Banana has a high percentage of potassium which helps to regulate heartbeat. One should eat bananas during stress because tension and anxiety reduce the level of potassium in the body. The daily requirement of potassium in the body is 4 grams, so eating a banana is sufficient to fulfill this requirement. The presence of potassium and fiber in banana control high blood pressure and give cardiovascular protection. Being a natural antacid, it also gives relief from heartburn. It is a wise step to eat a banana at breakfast which will be helpful in normalizing heart function.

Banana for anemia treatment

Banana is one of the important diets that can be used by anemia patients. Banana is rich in iron which increases the efficiency of hemoglobin, thus a good diet for anemic patients. As the concentration of hemoglobin increases, the signs of anemia decreases. Banana is also a good source of vitamin B6, which is beneficial in anemia.

Banana for cancer prevention

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer has shown that eating a banana is good for smooth renal function and also prevents kidney cancer. It has also confirmed that regular eating of bananas, fruits, and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer. Being a rich source of potassium, banana promotes renal health. Banana is also rich in antioxidants that prevent from different cancers, especially bowel ones.

Banana for healthy vision

The age-related muscular degeneration reduces if one develops the habits of eating fruits, especially bananas. Banana is packed with vitamin A which is extremely beneficial for eyesight and eye health. Beta-carotene and alpha-carotene of vitamin A protect your eyes membrane. A survey conducted by Archives of Ophthalmology, which suggested that regular eating of banana greatly reduce the eye-related problems in the older age.

Nutritional value of banana

Banana is a nutritious and wholesome fruit. When a person is eating 100 grams of banana, it means, he is taking following nutrients. Calories (116 K cal), Protein (1.2 grams), Fat (0.3 g), Carbohydrate (27.2g), Calcium (17mg), Phosphorous (36mg), Iron (0.36mg), Magnesium (41 mg), Sodium (36.6 mg), Potassium (88 mg), Zinc (0.15 mg), Vitamin C (7 mg), Vitamin B6 ( 0.8 mg), Fibre (0.4 grams), Carotene (78 mcg), Thiamine (0.05 mg), Niacin ( 0.5 mg),

Top 15 health benefits of banana

Banana helps to quit smoking as banana contains potassium, magnesium, B6, and B12, all of these help to recover reduce the level of nicotine.
When itching of a mosquito bite is rubbed with banana peel, helps to get relief soon.
Banana milkshake increases the depleted blood sugar in the body.
Regular intake of bananas reduces the chances of stroke by 40% as suggested by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Since banana is the best source of potassium, it has a calming effect on the mind.
Banana contains many antioxidants like flavonoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha, and beta-carotene, which all helps in the checking of free radicals thus prevents diseases.
Banana prevents the risk of atherosclerosis due to the presence of high potassium.
Banana contains pectin which is beneficial in the reduction of cholesterol in the body.
Banana stimulates nerve functions due to the presence of vitamin B.
Banana helps to smooth bowel function and good in the management and controlling of piles.
Banana is also eaten by expectorant mothers as it helps in lowering the emotional and physical temperature of pregnant mothers.
Banana is having tryptophan which helps to produce the sleep hormone melatonin. It prevents insomnia and encourages sound sleep.
Banana is beneficial for the skin as the presence of vitamin C helps collagen formation, which makes the skin supple and soft.
Banana is good for hair as it has healthy hair ingredients such as potassium, vitamins, natural oils, and carbohydrate.
Banana also helps in reducing menstrual pains. It contains vitamin B6 which is good for the improvement of overall mood.