The Skinny
There is something about bananas that make people smile. Maybe it’s their look or the word “bananas” itself that tickles people. Perhaps it’s their association with happy-go-lucky monkeys and chimps. Who knows, but good for bananas. But let’s be clear when it comes to nutritional benefits, bananas are serious business and WellWell is here to tell you why. Read on.
The Slate
Supports Digestive Health
Anyone in need of dietary fiber, which is a lot of people, should look to bananas. A medium-sized banana dishes out about 3 grams of fiber. Better yet, bananas provide prebiotics fiber, which is beneficial for gut health. And don’t forget the pectin found is all bananas. It helps prevent constipation and soften stool.
Keeps You Glowing
That mid-sized banana mentioned above provides about 13 percent of a person’s daily manganese need. This is important in producing collagen and protecting the skin against free radical damage. Click here for more food that helps skin health.
Heartburn Relief
Munching on unripe bananas is a great way to reduce stomach acid because they contain leucocyanidin, which is believed to help promote the thickness of the stomach’s mucous membrane. Ultimately, this means unripe bananas may help individuals who suffer from heartburn.
Energy Booster
Skip the sports drinks and grab a banana if you’re in need of an energy boost. Appalachian State University reported that two bananas provide enough calories for a 1-1/2 hour workout or a general pick-me-up. Since they aren’t loaded with caffeine, they also won’t cause an energy crash.
Kidney High
The potassium in bananas is great for maintaining healthy kidneys. Research, in fact, notes that women who grabbed a banana two or three times a week significantly reduced their chance of developing kidney disease. Eating bananas is also a great way for everyone to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
Fights Anemia
The high iron content of bananas is a great way to fight anemia, which is a condition that includes a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells. Ultimately, the high iron content in bananas stimulates the production of hemoglobin, which fights the condition.
Happy You
Yes, there is a direct connection between bananas and smiling and that’s their amino acid content, particularly tryptophan. This amino acid is the precursor of both serotonin and melatonin, which helps the brain regulate sleep, pain, appetite and moods.
Yes, Bones About It
A diet that includes higher intakes of fruit and vegetables is a great way to support healthy bone status. Bananas specifically offer high levels of potassium and magnesium levels, which fight osteoporosis and improve bone growth, respectively.
Eyes Up
What’s your take on bananas? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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