Growing in more than 130 countries, plantain is a fruit rich in vitamins, calcium, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. Very much because of that, the benefits of the banana are innumerable, but still raises doubts about its inclusion in the diets. In the end, who has diabetes can eat banana? Is it so good for someone who practices physical activities? Check the answers to these and other questions.
First, more about the banana
Before talking about the benefits of banana for our diet, it is very important to know that the fruit is composed of 75% water and 25% dry matter, and that it can be found in different varieties. The best known and most popular are: banana plata, banana apple, banana de la tierra, banana de oro and banana de nana.
They differ from each other mainly in format and taste, but the nutritional advantages do not vary so much from one to the other.
The banana is very consumed naturally, but it can also be used for various other purposes: desserts, remember the famous banana split and bananadas ?, Fruit salads and even sangrías. Another type of food that is high is the banana chips, an appetizer made with dehydrated or fried banana slices. There are still those who prefer to mix it, raw, with rice and beans. There are no limits to creativity.
7 benefits of banana
Next, we separate more information about the banana to leave you with water in your mouth and have even more reasons to want to consume it:
1. To the athletes!
Besides being a source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, manganese and copper, among others, the banana has a high concentration of carbohydrates that are metabolized by the cells and give energy to the body. Therefore, it is a great option for professional athletes incorporated into the diet.
In fact, banana is also a very rich source of potassium, and therefore helps prevent cramping - a very common problem for those who practice exercises. It is important to note, too, that only potassium is not able to prevent muscle contractions. In addition to eating lots of bananas and even carambola, another delicious fruit in the nutrient, you should drink plenty of water and eat correctly before and after workouts. Not overstressing the muscle is also a good preventive method against cramping.
2. Stronger heart
Potassium can still bring benefits for heart health. As it is a mineral that conducts electricity, it helps maintain the stability of the heartbeat, as well as being optimal for controlling blood pressure.
3. Digestion
The banana is very rich in fiber and are excellent allies of our gastrointestinal tract. Eating banana, then, helps improve digestion and regulate bowel functions. The fibers still act as a kind of sponge, which absorbs bad cholesterol from the body and removes it by means of feces.
A banana has approximately 3 g of fibers, which corresponds to 10% of the total we must consume daily of the nutrient.
4. Bad mood!
The banana also has large amounts of an amino acid called tryptophan. It is responsible for the production of serotonin - the famous "happiness hormone", along with endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine.
Serotonin is called by that name because it is actually a neurotransmitter that generates relaxation, well-being and improves mood. No, the banana is so indicated for people who have depression.
5. Oxygen train
Among the benefits of banana, there is also the fact that it improves the production of hemoglobins, a protein found inside red blood cells.
The function of hemoglobins is to transport oxygen to all tissues of the body, helping to keep them always healthy and functioning. This quality of the banana is a direct result of the amount of iron and magnesium in its nutritional composition.
6. Brains, skin and bones
To be rich in manganese, important nutrient for the protection of our nervous system and bones, and vitamin C, which increases the production of collagen and gives more elasticity to the skin, the banana is a strong ally against various types of dementia , cerebrovascular accident, osteoporosis, skin diseases and early aging.
7. Good for the eyes
The banana also improves eye health to be very rich in vitamin A and soluble fats that help preserve the membranes of the eyes, and prevent night blindness.
Curiosities about the banana
The fruit helps you to stop smoking: because it contains vitamins B6 and B12, the banana helps to stabilize the body so that it adapts to the reduction of nicotine and, thereby, minimizes the symptoms of cigarette abstinence.
Diabetics should consume it with parsimony: the fruit has a high glycemic index, which means that it quickly passes from the bloodstream to the cells of the body, causing eventual peaks of blood glucose.
Many people do not know, but the banana peel contains several nutrients, natural sugars (glucose and sucrose) and minerals, and can be used in several recipes. You can prepare brigaderos, cakes, flours and even breaded steaks with the banana peel that they usually play in the trash after removing it from the fruit.
The expression "at the price of banana" arose from the fact that the fruit was usually very cheap, but right now in Venezuela, even eating a plate is a luxury.