How Healthy Bananas Are: Nutrition Facts, Pros and Cons for Your Health

Perhaps you too are wondering how healthy bananas are. Bananas are among the most popular types of fruit in Germany and are healthy. They are also rich in valuable nutrients that fulfill important functions in the body.

How healthy bananas are

Bananas are now part of the diet for many people and support their well-being and health. The banana originated in Southeast Asia. According to assumptions, the banana made its way from Southeast Asia via Africa and the Canary Islands to South and Central America. Due to the difficult transport conditions, the banana was only able to gain a foothold in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century.

• Calories : 100 grams of bananas contain an average of 88 to 95 kilocalories (kcal). This corresponds to 368 to 397 kilojoules (kJ). On average, a banana weighs 125 grams and has around 115 kcal per banana.
• Potassium : Bananas are high in potassium. Potassium regulates our blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack. Adequate potassium intake can also prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis and cardiac arrhythmia.
• Magnesium : It contributes a large part to the generation of energy. Magnesium also plays an important role in our muscles and nerves. Athletes in particular are dependent on an adequate supply of magnesium to prevent muscle cramps and gastrointestinal complaints.
• Trace elements : In addition to potassium and magnesium, other trace elements such as phosphorus, iron, zinc and calcium are found in bananas. They take on important functions in the body in maintaining and regenerating bones, teeth, skin, eyes, cells, organs and in transporting oxygen.
• Vitamins : Vitamins A, C, K, E and B6 are found in bananas. The antioxidants that are also present protect the body and brain from free radicals. They also strengthen our immune system.
• Tryptophan : This is an amino acid that makes serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a messenger substance in our nervous system that is responsible for our good mood and well-being.
• Eating banana peels: Banana peels are very healthy and can be eaten. Note that when growing conventional bananas, pesticides are often used. Therefore, only eat bananas from organic cultivation areas.

Banana health benefits

The banana is a power food and should not be missing from a healthy diet. It is versatile and can be used as a food for breakfast or eaten as a snack between meals. When it comes to baking and smoothies, bananas have become an integral part of many recipes. In the following article we will tell you why bananas should not be missing from your menu.

• Healthy Digestion: Bananas are high in fiber and resistant starch. Dietary fibers support the intestines and serve as food for our intestinal bacteria. They also clean the intestines of pollutants and help with constipation.
• Energy supplier : The combination of carbohydrates and roughage provides the body with energy quickly without putting a strain on it. That’s why bananas are popular with athletes.
• Feel -good weight : Bananas are the healthy alternative to sweets. They contain little fat and have a satiating effect due to the fiber and starch. The greener the banana, the more starch it contains. This reduces appetite.
• Blood sugar levels : Due to the high starch content, the insulin and blood sugar levels rise only slowly. Bananas contain a lot of pectins. The combination of starch and pectins ensures that the sugar is only slowly absorbed by the body. In this way, you can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Stomach disorders: Bananas that are not yet ripe can balance the pH in the stomach and prevent heartburn and stomach disorders. Bananas are used for gastritis because the vitamins and nutrients they contain have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Relaxed and in a good mood: Serotonin is synthesized from the substance trytophan contained in bananas. The area in our brain that is responsible for our well-being is addressed. This makes us more relaxed and in a better mood.
• Sugar Substitute : If your bananas are very ripe, they make a good natural alternative to sugar. For example, your muesli will be sweeter if you add bananas.
• Against the hangover: The banana milkshake is considered a miracle home remedy for a hangover. If your rebellious stomach doesn’t resist drinking milk, the banana milkshake has a relaxing effect, promotes blood circulation and helps to break down the alcohol.

There are downsides too

There is a stubborn belief that bananas make you fat. However, this fear is unfounded as long as you don’t overdo the consumption of bananas. The German Society for Nutrition recommends eating five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. The five portions were divided into three portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit at 250 grams. In the following article we have compiled further disadvantages for you.

• Migraine : Banana peels contain the active ingredient tyramine, which can trigger migraines. When consuming, be sure to remove the peel if you are prone to migraines. Otherwise, the banana can solve migraines due to its high magnesium content.
• Tooth decay : Due to the fructose contained in bananas, bacteria can multiply in the mouth. This, in turn, can lead to tooth decay and tartar. So make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Stomach pain : Unripe bananas contain a lot of cellulose. This can cause abdominal pain after consumption.
• Constipation : There is more starch in unripe bananas than in ripe bananas. The intestines cannot break down starch as well and the chyme stays in the intestines longer. This deprives the body of more water and can lead to constipation.
• Be careful with kidney disease: For people suffering from kidney disease, excessive consumption of bananas is not recommended due to their high potassium content.