The banana is a tropical fruit , rich in vitamins and minerals that is consumed almost everywhere in the world. Its delicious flavor between sweet and sour makes it a versatile food to prepare an endless number of healthy and pleasant recipes.
It also has a beautiful yellow color that makes it really attractive. It is a fruit with an unmistakable flavor and aroma . It can be used for desserts, drinks and meals, and the best thing is that it has a low caloric load, ideal for losing weight.
This fruit has great benefits for the human body. It can reduce cardiovascular accidents and even prevent the appearance of cancer. For this reason, in this article we will explain 9 benefits of its wonderful benefits:
What are the health benefits of bananas?
The banana is a fruit with a delicious flavor. In some countries it is known by the name of “cambur” or “banana” . It has a wide variety of nutrients that are of great help to the body.
Note: The banana has vitamins from group A, B, C and E, it also contains folic acid and minerals such as potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc and calcium. It also has essential amino acids.
1. Promotes the proper functioning of the heart
This fruit helps protect the heart, thanks to its high potassium and electrolyte content. Said food reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease, controls blood pressure, and increases blood circulation.
Important: An article from the University of Veracruz in Mexico states that “the banana peel has antioxidant compounds that act against heart disease” , which makes it an ideal fruit to prevent heart problems. (1)
2. Boosts the immune system
The vitamin B6 content in the banana helps to stabilize the nervous system, which allows it to avoid feelings of anguish and stress, which affect the efficiency of the immune system. In addition, it has vitamin C that helps prevent colds and flu.
3. Stimulates intestinal transit and relieves digestive discomfort
The banana contains fiber, being of great benefit for intestinal transit to help avoid constipation and diarrhea. It also relieves acidity, due to its antacid effect that helps neutralize substances in the digestive tract, thus stimulating good digestion.
Note: A study carried out in Colombia, on constipation, recommended the daily intake of fruits such as pear, dragon fruit , papaya, sapodilla, strawberries and banana, since they provide fiber to the digestive system. Between 25 and 30 grams a day should be consumed. (two)
4. Promotes visual health
The banana has a contribution of vitamin A, which takes care of the health of the eyes and helps to keep the retina in good condition. Contains antioxidants that prevent macular degeneration. It also prevents spots on the iris.
To highlight: A study in Venezuela revealed that more than 5.2 million children and 9.8 million pregnant women suffer from blindness worldwide, this is due to vitamin A deficiency. For this reason, many specialists recommend the consumption of bananas in the child stages and women in gestation, to avoid such consequences. (3)
5. Improves muscle condition
Athletes and lovers of the sports world have this fruit as a great ally. The banana has regenerative properties, to replenish the glycogen lost by the muscles, and contains potassium that helps their good function and correct contraction, thus avoiding muscle cramps.
Tip: Sports trainers recommend the consumption of bananas since they provide energy to the body, due to their high level of potassium.
6. Contributes to weight loss
The banana is delicious and very versatile, to include it in a diet for weight loss. It has a large amount of fiber that helps digestion , but it also has vitamin B that prevents the tendency to obesity. In addition, it has a satiating effect that regulates appetite and controls anxiety.
7. Fight anemia
People suffering from anemia are often greatly affected by the levels of white and red blood cells in the blood. Banana helps control and improve the production of hemoglobin.
This is because the banana is a food that has significant levels of folic acid and vitamin B6 , which increase the production of red blood cells. This is why this fruit should not be missing in anemic patients.
Important: A study carried out in Spain on anemic patients revealed that the correct treatment to overcome this pathology must be accompanied by foods high in vitamin C and fiber , the banana being ideal for this task. (4)
8. Improves mood
The banana helps improve our mood and increases the body’s energy. Also, it contains a high contribution of vitamins and amino acids that help reduce stress. In addition, it has tryptophan that increases the production of serotonin and prevents the feeling of fatigue and depression.
Note: In Venezuela, a practical study was carried out in rats, where it was shown that the intake of banana flour reduces phenylalanine to prevent brain damage and seizures in phenylketonuric patients. (5)
9. Reduces the risk of cancer
It is recommended to maintain a diet with a high content of bananas, since they have antioxidant phenolics that help prevent cancer . They also reduce the appearance of childhood leukemia, thanks to their vitamin C content, and combat the formation of free radicals, in order to reduce skin aging.
To highlight: A study in Cuba stated that it is necessary to consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, since they have antioxidants and alleviate oxidative stress, bananas being an ideal food for this. (6)
Key Findings
- The banana is recommended to reduce stomach acidity and improve the muscular development of the body of those who love to exercise.
- Helps control blood pressure , due to its high percentage of potassium.
- It is recommended for those who suffer from constipation due to its fiber content, and also for those who suffer from anemia due to its significant levels of folic acid and vitamin B6.
- Eating bananas helps reduce the risk of cancer.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.