Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world for good reason. They have many health benefits and they can be a great snack addition to your diet. In fact, after reading this article, you’ll never look at a banana the same way again.
A medium banana contains 110 calories and provides 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Bananas also contain a type of carbohydrate which is a starch that is resistant to digestion but it helps you feel fuller longer. Here are some reasons why you should include bananas in your diet.
Suppress your appetite by simply smelling it
According to the findings of a study by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, smelling certain foods when you are hungry can trick you brain into thinking that you’ve actually eaten them. One of those foods is bananas. If that’s not enough to convince you that you can enjoy bananas while losing weight, smell one next time you feel hungry.
They’re Natural Performance Enhancers
There’s a reason why most of the world’s leading athletes love bananas. Bananas are a perfect fuel for athletes because they not only provide the carbs your muscles need, they have the antioxidants that can help speed up recovery.
They Give you a Boost of Vitamin C
When most people think of Vitamin C, it’s usually oranges and strawberries that come to mind. However, a serving of bananas provides 15 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps neutralise damaging free radicals and keeps systemic inflammation at bay. It also helps produce collagen that holds muscles, bones and other tissues together. In addition, it helps keep blood vessels healthy and aids with the body’s absorption of iron and folate. It also keeps your gums healthy and aids in healing.
Provides blood-pressure-lowering potassium
A medium banana has 422 mg potassium while being sodium-free. Various studies show that those who have diets rich in potassium are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure and have reduced risk for stroke. Adults need 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day, so a medium banana provides nearly 10 percent of the daily requirement.
They Make You Feel Happy
How about having a banana to help you feel peachy? A small banana provides 27 mg magnesium, which can help brighten your mood and keep you from feeling blue. Men and women need 420 mg and 320 mg of magnesium per day, respectively. Low levels of this mineral are linked to depression, anxiety, irritability and other mood disorders. Since many of us don’t get enough magnesium in our diets, consider a banana as your chill pill.
