Hello Oatlovers, Ever wondered what goodness is in a banana? Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world for good reason. Today, bananas are grown in at least 107 countries and are ranked fourth among the world’s food crops in monetary value. With the world consuming so many bananas, It’s not surprising that people are asking the question whether or not bananas are good for our health. Knowing the popularity of bananas, let’s check the benefits of banana!

1. Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 from bananas is easily absorbed by your body and a medium-sized banana can provide about a quarter of your daily vitamin B6 needs. Vitamin B6 is also good for pregnant women as it helps meet their baby’s development needs.

2. Bananas are respectable source of Vitamin C

You may not associate bananas with vitamin C but a medium-sized banana will provide about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs.

3. Manganese in bananas is good for your skin

One medium-sized banana provides approximately 13% of your daily manganese needs. Manganese helps your body make collagen and protects your skin and other cells against free radical damage.

4. Potassium in bananas is good for your heart, health, and blood pressure

A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs.

Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium. The low sodium and high potassium combination helps to control high blood pressure.

5. Bananas can aid digestion and help beat gastrointestinal issues

A medium banana will provide about 10-12% of your daily fibre needs. Singapore’s Health Promotion Board recommends a daily dietary fibre intake of 20g for women and 26g for men. Soluble and insoluble fibres play an important role in your health. Soluble fibre helps your body control your blood sugar level and get rid of fatty substances such as cholesterol. Insoluble fibre adds weight and softness to stools, making it easier for you to have regular bowel movements. This helps to keep your gut healthy and safe from harmful bacteria. Bananas, especially newly-ripened ones, contain starch that does not digest (resistant starch) in your small intestine and is able to pass into the large intestine. Such bananas help you manage your weight better as you stay full for longer.

6. Bananas give you energy, minus the fats and cholesterol

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – giving you a fat and cholesterol-free source of energy. As such, bananas are ideal, especially for children and athletes, for breakfast, as a midday snack or before and after sports.

Source :

https://www.healthxchange.sg/food-nutrition/food-tips/good-reasons-eat-banana-today

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157.php