Jakarta, Borneo24.com – Bananas are one of the most popular fruits for many people. The soft texture of the meat and the sweet taste make bananas delicious to be used as a healthy snack.
Not only does it taste good. There are several health benefits of bananas that you can enjoy after consuming them.
Bananas are known to contain many nutrients. Starting from protein, fiber, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, potassium, to magnesium.
Benefits of Bananas for Health
A number of studies have provided evidence of the benefits of bananas. Here are some of them, launched Healthline.
1. Control blood sugar levels
Bananas are rich in soluble fiber and contain resistant starch. Both can help moderate blood sugar levels after a meal.
Not only that, they also help regulate appetite by slowing stomach emptying.
That is, even though the carbohydrate content is high, bananas will not cause spikes in blood sugar levels in healthy individuals.
While diabetics are still advised to eat bananas in small portions.
2. Maintain digestive health
The next health benefit of bananas is maintaining digestive health.
The resistant starch and fiber found in unripe bananas are prebiotics. Prebiotics are good bacteria that can maintain gut health.
Not only that, pectin or the type of fiber found in bananas can also help prevent constipation.
3. Helps to lose weight
Basically, there are no studies that directly examine the effects of banana consumption on weight loss. However, this one fruit is often known as the fruit of people who are undergoing a weight loss program.
This is obtained because of the relatively few calories of bananas. One banana has only 100 calories on average.
In addition, eating more fiber and fruit like bananas has also been linked to weight loss. Fiber intake makes the feeling of fullness last longer.
4. Maintain heart health
Potassium is an important mineral for heart health. You can get potassium by eating bananas. Each banana contains an average of 10 percent of the daily potassium requirement.
High intake of potassium will help lower blood pressure. Research also shows potassium intake lowers the risk of heart disease by 27 percent.
5. Rich in antioxidants
Bananas contain two very strong antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and amines.
Antioxidants are known for their health benefits. Antioxidants help protect the body from exposure to free radicals that can trigger inflammation and chronic disease.
6. Maintain kidney health
Not only for the heart, potassium is also very beneficial for healthy kidney function.
A study involving 5,000 people with chronic kidney conditions found that potassium intake slowed disease progression.
However, people with end-stage kidney disease need to limit their potassium intake. Consult a doctor before increasing potassium intake.
7. Improve insulin sensitivity
Insulin resistance is a risk factor for several chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Several studies have found the benefits of bananas for health, one of which is increasing insulin sensitivity.
It was found that consuming resistant starch regularly, such as in unripe bananas, can improve insulin sensitivity. This can make the body more responsive to these blood sugar-regulating hormones. (***)
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