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Seven benefits of bananas other than your daily dose of potassium

Food
 Bananas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium (Photo: Shutterstock)

Bananas are one of the most common fruits. They are always there all year, all seasons. 

They may not be everyone’s cup of tea but they sure do taste good.

In some cultures, people enjoy bananas with their rice dishes as part of the meal. Per 100g of banana you consume 89 calories with that being made up of 75% water, 0.3g total fat, 358mg potassium, 23g carbohydrates, 2.6g dietary fiber, 12g sugar and 1.1g protein. 

It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium. 

If you don’t enjoy bananas on their own you can add one to your smoothie or milkshake or have it in your fruit salad. 

Aside from eating them, some people use bananas in their hair and skin masks because it has great benefits. 

It’s advisable for individuals who suffer from diabetes not to consume big portions of bananas or avoid it completely because it contains natural sugars which may lead to an increase of blood sugar levels.

If you’re still in limbo, read on to find out why you need to include this super fruit in your diet. 

Heart health

Heart diseases have become common now more than ever and are the leading causes of premature deaths around the world. Bananas are high in potassium, a nutrient that promotes heart health and normal blood pressure. 

One banana has approximately 0.4g of potassium which reduces the risk of heart disease by 26%. They also have antioxidants and flavonoids which reduce the risk of heart disease.

Digestion

Bananas are a great source of daily dietary fiber. It improves digestion thus preventing bloating and stomach discomfort. It is also a great way to avoid constipation. And because it also contains pectin and resistant starch, it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 in bananas is easily absorbed by your body and gives you a quarter of the Vitamin B6 you need per banana. Vitamin B6 helps in production of red blood cells, metabolizing carbohydrates and fats into energy, metabolizing amino acids, removing toxins from your liver and kidneys and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin C

One banana provides your body with 10% of your daily Vitamin C dosage. Vitamin C has several benefits such as protecting your body from tissue damage, helping your body absorb iron better, promoting production of collagen for healthy hair, nails and bones, and producing serotonin hormone that helps with sleep, mood, stress and pain.

Manganese

One banana has 13% of the manganese your body needs in a day. Manganese helps your body produce collagen which protects your skin and other cells from radical damage and helps your hair and nails remain strong.

Energy booster

Bananas contain natural sugars that are easily broken down by your body without increasing your cholesterol levels. Bananas are a great source of energy for children and adults who perform vigorous physical activities such as athletes.

Bananas may aid in weight loss

Although research is still underway, bananas have several contents that have been proven effective in weight loss. Bananas have very low calories and high fiber which will help reduce your appetite as it provides you with the energy you need. Unripe bananas on the other hand are rich in resistant starch which lowers your appetite making you feel full after consuming small amounts.

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