Happy Fruity Friday! This week I’ve gone Bananas!
Bananas are loaded with antioxidants and are also a decent source of that yummy fibre I’ve been raving about.
Essential for Metabolic processes
Bananas are interestingly not the best source of potassium, another instance where the media has been misleading. With only 9% of the RDI in a standard banana, it falls far behind the avocado which contains 30% of your RDI. However, the rest of the nutritional benefits are quite promising with 33% of B6 in a single serving banana are great for the central nervous system and calming the adrenal gland key for metabolic processes.
Bananas may help control sugar levels.
Much of the fibre in a banana is pectin (often used in jam making for thickening) this is what gives the banana its structural form. Pectin may escape digestion and moderate blood sugar levels. They may also reduce appetite by slowing the emptying of the stomach. However, consideration should be given if you are diabetic as well-ripened bananas could contain more sugar and blood sugar should be monitored closely when these are eaten.
May prevent cancer of the gut
More on that yummy fibre and starch. These are like chocolate for the friendly bacteria in your gut and protect against colon cancer.
Bananas are good for the heart
Bananas are a decent source of potassium and a good source of magnesium. Both these minerals are good for the heart.
Good for general health
As bananas are a good source of many antioxidants, they fight against free radicals which are responsible for many diseases.
Bananas help you ditch that itch
Did you know that if you rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel it can help relieve the itching and irritation.
Bananas can help you quit smoking
The high level of B vitamins in bananas helps lessen the effects of withdrawal when kicking the habit!
Bananas are super easy to eat
They are such a convenient snack food and are easy to use as a substitute for sugar in baking and cooking. They are also often free of pesticides or pollutants because of their thick peel which is difficult to penetrate.
Overall there aren’t many reasons not to add bananas to your diet.
