From the antioxidant properties to the anti-aging functions, all the beneficial properties of the banana
Banana is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, also thanks to its characteristic flavor and its nutritional properties.
Not only that: the banana is a fruit that provides many essential nutrients for the body, such as vitamins and minerals, and is rich in benefits for our body. So let’s discover all the properties and benefits of banana plus four sweet and healthy recipes based on this extraordinary fruit.
The benefits of banana
From a nutritional point of view, the banana consists mainly of water (75%) and is a good source of vitamins (pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and B vitamins including B1, B2, and B6) and minerals, including manganese, useful for bones and to fight free radicals responsible for cellular aging, potassium, important for muscles and blood pressure, and selenium, which strengthens the immune system.
A medium-sized banana (about 126 grams) provides about 110 calories and contains 450 mg of potassium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein: being rich in carbohydrates, therefore, the banana provides instant energy when we need it most. However, due to its high glycemic index, eating a banana can increase the craving for sweetness: to counteract the effect, it should be eaten with oily fruits, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, or with a piece of cheese.
The beneficial properties
Rich in antioxidants, which help protect our body from the action of free radicals, they are capable of strengthening the nervous system and an ally in weight loss. Banana is a fruit that gives numerous benefits to our bodies. Among the most important are:
– Has an anti-aging function – banana has excellent antioxidant properties, thanks to the presence of flavonoids and flavonols able to prevent and counteract aging
– Is good for the muscles – banana, in fact, is rich in potassium, a mineral essential for the proper functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems, and in magnesium, which helps to relax the muscles
– It helps the good functioning of the intestine – the banana is an astringent fruit, therefore very useful to be taken during episodes of diarrhea. It is an excellent ally of the lazy intestine and is rich in substances that help digestion, also improving the body’s capacity to absorb calcium;
– Increases the sense of satiety – thanks to vegetable fibers
– It is the perfect snack for athletes – banana, in fact, is rich in potassium and sodium, the two minerals that are lost most with sweating. In addition, it provides the muscles with the carbohydrates they need, and its antioxidant content helps in the recovery
– Is good for the heart – potassium, in fact, helps to keep the heartbeat regular and has hypotensive properties, while the reduced sodium intake helps protect the cardiovascular system from hypertension
– It is a good source of vitamin C – a medium-sized banana provides about 15% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C, which is able to fight free radicals, help prevent inflammation, contribute to the formation of collagen and help keep blood vessels healthy
– Improves concentration – potassium, in fact, helps to learn, memorize better and have greater attention
The contraindications of the banana
We have therefore seen how the banana is a fruit rich in beneficial properties, but, in some cases, it is necessary to pay attention to its consumption: the banana, in fact, can give rise to potential food allergies due to the presence of allergenic proteins inside. of its pulp, which could cause problems in predisposed subjects.
Furthermore, bananas must be consumed carefully by those suffering from diabetes and obesity, given the high percentage of sugars present in them, which could raise blood sugar levels. Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to the consumption of bananas, even for those suffering from gastroduodenal ulcers.