5 Reasons to Bite Into a Banana

This nutritious favorite seems to have it all.

Bananas are sweet in flavor, nutritious and a healthy alternative to high-calorie junk food. Whether you’re making a delicious smoothie, or adding flavor to cereal, the banana is an important super-food that provides a number of wonderful health benefits. Discover tasty ways to add this superfood to your meal plan with some of our best banana recipes, and learn more about the health benefits of this healthful fruit below.

You’ll love these BANANA RECIPES:


Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Clean Eating Banana Apple Bread
Slow Cooker Bananas Foster
Skinny Mini Desserts – Banana Pudding

For a complete list of superfoods, check out 50 Superfoods: The Ultimate Shopping List.

5 REASONS TO BITE INTO A BANANA:

1. They’re Low in Calories

Are you trying to reduce your daily calorie consumption? Eat a banana instead of a bag of chips. One extra small banana contains only 72 calories, and a large banana holds about 120 calories, according to OfficialHealth.org. Bananas also contain very little saturated fat, and no cholesterol, unlike junk foods. Not only are bananas low in calories, but they’re also very filling. Bananas tend to make you feel full longer, which reduces cravings throughout the day and helps with weight loss.

2. They Offer a Energy Boost

Bananas are an excellent source of natural energy, providing two times the amount of carbohydrates as an apple. The carbohydrates in bananas provide endurance and a quick boost in energy. For that reason, eating bananas before a workout is an awesome energy booster. Eating only two bananas produces enough energy to last an entire ninety minute workout. If you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, try snacking on a banana!

3. Bananas Reduce Depression

The banana isn’t a magical cure for depression, but nutrients found in the fruit can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, an important brain chemical that regulates mood and emotion. Eating more bananas can raise serotonin levels in the brain and lessen depressed feelings. In fact, studies have shown that eating only one banana can elevate a depressed mood.

4. They Lower Blood Pressure

Bananas are loaded with potassium, a chemical that regulates sodium in the body and lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that consumption of one to two bananas per day can lower blood pressure by as much as three points. Reducing your blood pressure by three points is enough to eliminate the chances of stroke. If you have high blood pressure, eat more bananas. In addition to lowering blood pressure, bananas also help prevent clogged arteries and heart problems. For those who wish to quit smoking, the potassium in bananas is also believed to help lower nicotine levels in the body.

5. Bananas Offer Fiber

Bananas aren’t considered a high-fiber fruit, but they do provide a healthy 5 g of fiber per serving. Fiber is important because it helps lower cholesterol and sustain healthy blood sugar levels. If you’re a woman, you need at least 30 g of fiber per day to stay healthy. You can get a healthy dose of daily fiber and nutrients simply by eating more bananas in combination with high-fiber foods like oatmeal and strawberries. The fiber in a banana is also beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea because fiber helps solidify stool and improve digestion.

 

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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4 Comments

  1. Wow, Excellent good idea never I see this types of idea at first I saw to you…Normally banana is my favorite food, Banana may have make good body function as well it may keep hale to abdomen which is very useful to all to eat this food…I have more tips about this so you can visit our site for this….Thanks a lot who has posted it….

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