Banana – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 by Frances Bloomfield
http://www.naturalpedia.com/banana-sources-health-benefits-nutrients-uses-and-constituents-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Bananas are an edible, tropical fruit grown and consumed all over the world. There are many banana varieties, with the most common and popular one being the Cavendish banana. As a whole, bananas are a highly nutritious fruit with an array of culinary and medicinal uses. Bananas have been used as moderate anti-stress agents and antibiotics. The antacid properties of bananas have made them useful in soothing the gastrointestinal tract, while their mild antibacterial properties are good for detoxification.
List of known nutrients
Bananas are most known for being rich in potassium, a mineral crucial in regulating muscle contractions and cell waste product movement. Apart from potassium, bananas offer a variety of other essential minerals and vitamins:
- Biotin
- Fiber
- Folic acid
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Pyridoxine
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Tryptophan
- Zinc
Medicinal uses for bananas
The abundance of nutrients in bananas have given it a reputation as one of the healthiest fruits.
Pectin is a fiber whose functions go beyond giving bananas its structural form; pectin improves digestive health, balances blood sugar levels and regulates bowel movement. The vitamin C in bananas supports the immune system and combats against free radicals; vitamin A reduces the risk of night blindness and maintains vision. Antioxidants like dopamine and catechin can mitigate toxins and free radicals. Tryptophan is an amino acid that boosts mood and preserves memory, so bananas can also improve one’s mood and mind.
Other medicinal uses for bananas include:
- Alcoholism
- Bowel problems
- Colitis
- Constipation
- Drug addiction
- Excessive thirst
- Fluid retention
- Heart disease
- Hemorrhoids
- High blood pressure
- Hypertension
- Peptic ulcers
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stomach disorders
- Stomach ulcers
Body systems supported by bananas
Consuming bananas on a regular basis will care for the following organs:
- Bowels
- Circulatory system
- Digestive system
- Digestive tract
- Spleen
- Stomach
Apart from improving digestive health, banana fibers also make it filling as a meal, thereby reducing appetite. Bananas contain the most important minerals for heart health: potassium, which lowers blood pressure, and magnesium, which regulates heartbeat.
Ways to use bananas
Bananas are an extremely versatile, and can be incorporated into one’s daily diet in a number of ways. Bananas can be blended into a smoothie, added into pancakes or waffles, or baked into breads, bars or muffins. Bananas can also be enjoyed as is, or covered with peanut butter for flavor and added protein. A quick and simple, two-ingredient pancake recipe uses only bananas and eggs, which is just one more way to eat pancakes and reap the benefits of protein- and amino-acid rich eggs.
Where to learn more
- Banana diet gives woman better mental clarity, improves her overall health
- Banana nutrition facts – nine things you probably never knew about this nutritious tropical food
- Banana power: Ten perks of nature’s panacea
- 10 Amazing health benefits of eating banana
- Terrific Banana Drink That Will Burn Stomach Fat Immediately
Summary
People suffering from digestive problems or heart problems can find relief in bananas.
The plethora of vitamins and minerals are ideal for supporting digestive and cardiovascular health.
Those with weight loss goals can use bananas as appetite suppressants and aids in keeping themselves at a healthy weight.
Bananas soothes the gastrointestinal tract and are good for detoxification.
They serve as a better-than-average antibiotic and have mild antacid and antibacterial properties.
Bananas are also an average anti-stress agent.
Sources include
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