The health benefits and harms of bananas
Bananas are fruits that were present in the diet of even ancient people. However, they are not only very tasty, but also extremely useful for the human body. This article will tell you more about the health benefits and dangers of bananas.
Chemical composition
The content of plant components is largely determined by the variety of tropical fruit, as well as its maturity. Banana pulp contains many active compounds.
So, this fruit contains the following biologically active components.
- Calcium (3.3–49 mg/100 grams). This mineral is necessary to maintain the physiological strength of bone tissue. A decrease in the intake of a mineral in the body is fraught with the formation of pathological conditions, including fractures. Calcium is also involved in the processes of coagulation, as well as the synthesis of substances that have a neurotransmitter effect.
- plant fibers (0.4-4.4 g/100 grams). They help to improve digestion, contributing to the normalization of the colon. A decrease in the intake of fiber in the human body can lead to the appearance of such an intimate problem as constipation.
- Potassium (0.7–2.7 mg/100 grams). Ensures the functioning of the muscular system.It is necessary for the good work of the heart, as well as maintaining blood pressure at a normal level and the physiological course of intercellular processes.
- Iron (0.5–2.7 mg/100 grams). Participates in the processes of formation of hemoglobin - a substance necessary for saturating cells with oxygen. A decrease in the intake of this mineral in the body is fraught with the development of anemic pathologies.
- Phosphorus (17–66 mg/100 grams). Necessary to ensure the strength of the skeleton. Helps reduce the risk of developing carious lesions of the teeth and other diseases of the oral cavity.
The aromatic banana pulp contains not only mineral compounds and active plant substances, but also vitamins. The vitamin complex contained in bananas has a beneficial effect on the body. The table below presents vitamins found in banana pulp.
Name | Content in 100 grams | Beneficial features |
Thiamine | 0.04–0.4 mg | Contributes to the maintenance of good functioning of the nervous tissue. Necessary for the physiological work of the myocardium. |
Riboflavin | 0.04–0.07 mg | Participates in the synthesis of red blood cells. Helps maintain the beauty of hair, nails and skin. |
A nicotinic acid | 0.78-0.8 mg | Helps improve metabolic processes. Necessary for good hematopoiesis, as well as the synthesis of a number of substances with enzymatic activity. |
Vitamin A | 63–65 IU | Protects the body from the formation of malignant cells in it. Necessary for the good functioning of the visual apparatus. |
Vitamin C | 5.7–36 mg | Supports good immune function. Has an antioxidant effect. |
Tocopherol | 0.1 mg | Improves skin elasticity, helping to slow down the formation of wrinkles.Supports the physiological functioning of the reproductive system. |
Vitamin K | 0.5 µg | Necessary for proper hematopoiesis. Takes part in the processes of coagulation. |
Bananas are super satiating. They contain food nutrients that give the body the energy it needs. So, 100 grams of banana pulp contains:
- carbohydrates - 21.7 g;
- proteins - 1.4 g;
- fats - 0.1 g.
Many people know that it is better to exclude these tropical fruits from the diet during weight loss. In many ways, such restrictions are due to the fact that bananas contain relatively many calories - 96 per 100 grams.
Also, fruits are rich in carbohydrates, which are quickly metabolized, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels, and, accordingly, insulin in the blood. Such specific changes can cause weight loss to slow down.
What is useful for the human body?
Eating bananas is necessary not only for people who love these fruits, but also for those who simply care about their health. Banana pulp contains many plant components that improve the condition of the body. These components have a beneficial effect on the work of cellular elements, leading to the normalization of the processes occurring in them.
Banana pulp contains a very important component for the body - tryptophan. According to its chemical structure, it belongs to the amino acids that bring great benefits to the human body. A decrease in the intake of tryptophan can cause the development of numerous problems in the functioning of the nervous system. This, in turn, leads to the fact that a person begins to experience uncomfortable manifestations associated with sleep disturbance or mood changes.
Tryptophan, contained in banana pulp, has a positive effect on the nerves, leading to the stabilization of their work. This amino acid is capable of impact on brain function.
So, after the systematic use of these tropical fruits, falling asleep improves. It is no coincidence that modern nutritionists recommend including this natural dessert to people who suffer from insomnia and sleep poorly.
Banana pulp also contains components that have a neurotransmitter effect. Once in the human body, they also affect the emotional response. It has been scientifically proven that such components help improve mood. That is why bananas are included in the therapeutic diets of people suffering from depressive disorders. However, eating these tropical fruits is recommended. Not only to combat depression, but also to prevent its occurrence.
Banana pulp also contains components that have a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system. If the fruit is ripe enough, then it contains a sufficient amount of dietary fiber that stimulates the intestines. These components are also necessary for the growth of beneficial microflora, which normally inhabits the large intestine. Improving the functioning of the large intestine also helps to cleanse the body of substances accumulated in it, which can impair the functioning of cellular elements.
Bananas are recommended to be included in your menu for people of mature age. The fact is that banana pulp contains a very important mineral for blood vessels - potassium. The need for this mineral component is especially high in people suffering from heart disease, accompanied by various cardiac arrhythmias. Also in the banana pulp there are components that help to make the walls of the arteries supplying the internal organs stronger, also contributing to the prevention of the development of thrombotic formations in the intravascular bed.
Recommended by health food experts include bananas in the diet of people engaged in intensive mental work. In order to improve the functioning of brain neurons, instead of taking medications, you can eat a small banana. Some athletes also include these fruits in their diet, as they help them quickly cope with the feeling of hunger, while promoting muscle recovery after intense workouts.
These sweet tropical fruits are recommended even for the elderly. However, people of this age should eat bananas in small quantities, since their digestive system is no longer working as intensively as at a young age. Excessive consumption of such sweet tropical fruits can cause extra pounds, as well as various problems in the digestive system. If you use bananas in the optimal amount, you can improve the endurance of the body.
Bananas are a fruit loved by both adults and kids. Interestingly, the first "acquaintance" with this tropical fruit usually occurs quite early. With good tolerance, banana pulp can already be included in the menu of a baby older than one year.
All members of the family can use these tropical fruits, as they contain many components that are beneficial to the body.
For men
It is recommended to use such tropical fruits for men of different ages. For example, at a young age, the plant components contained in them will help maintain high performance, as well as increase resistance to various diseases. To maintain the health of a mature man, a sufficient amount of potassium is required, which is found in relatively large quantities in bananas. Regular intake of this mineral in the body Helps reduce the risk of developing various heart diseases, which, unfortunately, often appear in representatives of the strong half of humanity.
Bananas help maintain and maintain the good functioning of the male genital organs. With age, the risk of developing various chronic diseases of the prostate increases. Doctors advise men to carefully monitor their diet to prevent the formation of such diseases.
They also recommend that you definitely supplement your diet with bananas, which contain many substances that prevent the appearance of prostate pathologies.
Women
Banana pulp contains a vitamin-mineral complex that improves not only women's health, but also helps to improve appearance. Many beauties use this tropical fruit not only for culinary purposes, but also to prepare cosmetics at home. So, the pulp of ripe bananas is an important ingredient for creating masks that improve skin elasticity and firmness. These skincare products are great for mature skin.
Hair masks made from banana pulp help to make your hair beautiful. The vitamins they contain also help accelerate hair growth. Against the background of the use of such nourishing masks, the hair becomes shiny and easier to style. For the preparation of such products, in addition to banana pulp, other additives are also used - for example, dairy products and honey. Making a banana hair mask is quite simple and does not take much time.
Also eating bananas contributes to the health of the female body, which leads to getting rid of many adverse symptoms. Many women during the premenstrual period experience uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches and frequent mood swings. Plant components contained in bananas help to cope with such negative manifestations.
Bananas are recommended to be included in your menu for women who are prone to depressive disorders. Decreased mood tends to appear more often during the autumn blues. At this time, solar insolation is significantly reduced, which leads to a change in the balance of neurotransmitter substances in the brain.
Banana pulp also contains tryptophan, a substance that is involved in the synthesis of the "hormone of joy" serotonin. That is why it is recommended to eat these fragrant tropical fruits during the cold season.
children
Banana pulp contains components that contribute to the active growth and development of the baby. Yes, this fruit contains natural vitamin C. This component protects the children's body from various infectious pathologies.
Also, this component provides good hematopoiesis.During active growth, new cells are formed every second in the child's body. Ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant, helps reduce the risk of developing pathologies that may appear during the synthesis of cellular elements.
Bananas are recommended to be included in the diet of schoolchildren. Today's children experience a lot of stress while attending various educational institutions. In order for the child to have enough strength for everything, he needs a lot of energy. Bananas contain quite a lot of calories that a child's body needs for its active functioning.
What are harmful and when are contraindicated?
Bananas are not for everyone. The plant components contained in them can, in certain cases, do harm. In order not to cause irreparable harm to your body, people who have certain contraindications to taking them should refuse to use these fragrant tropical fruits.
Bananas should not be consumed if available allergies to these fruits. This pathological condition for the first time, as a rule, manifests itself in childhood, when the first "acquaintance" of the body with this fruit occurs. This pathological condition can manifest itself in different ways, however, most often after eating a banana, a person who is allergic to it develops an itchy rash on the skin, as well as redness of the face. You can not eat these fruits also for people who have an individual intolerance to these tropical fruits.
When consuming these sweet fruits, one should not forget about precautions. They contain quite a lot of sugar, which means eat bananas in type 2 diabetes should be in very small quantities. Also, caution when consuming such fruits should be observed by people suffering from chronic diseases of the pancreas.
The soft banana pulp contains quite a lot of fiber fibers, which, when ingested in the intestines in large quantities can provoke an increase in stool. This should be remembered by people suffering from diarrhea. If stools become more frequent after eating a banana, then in this case the amount of this fruit in the diet should be reduced.
Medicinal properties and rules of use
Banana pulp is used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. From this tropical fruit, you can prepare a wide variety of remedies that will help improve well-being. Moreover, such drugs can be used not only for adults, but also for babies from a certain age.
In order to achieve the desired result, banana products should be used correctly. The course of treatment for each specific disease is different. Its duration must be taken into account. So, in order to cope with the catarrhal symptoms of a cold, it takes 7-10 days, and bananas should be eaten regularly to stabilize blood pressure.
In case of poisoning
Banana pulp contains components that can act similarly to sorbent preparations. These components help to remove toxins formed during food poisoning in the body.. Such an action contributes to the fact that there is a natural cleansing of the internal environment of the body, which means that the health of the poisoned person improves.
It is recommended to use the pulp of a ripe banana to eliminate the adverse symptoms caused by food poisoning not in the first days of the disease.At the very beginning of the disease, a strict diet is required, excluding the consumption of vegetables and fruits. Adding a banana to improve well-being is recommended after the disappearance of the first symptoms. Treatment is recommended already when a sick person has an appetite.
Pregnant and lactating
You can eat bananas during pregnancy. However, doctors note that expectant mothers should use these tropical fruits in moderation and not every day. If a pregnant woman eats too many of these sweet fruits at once, she may develop loose stools. Also, these fruits contain quite a lot of sugar, which means that after consuming them in large quantities, hyperglycemia may appear - a condition that is not favorable during pregnancy.
Eating bananas is recommended for expectant mothers in early pregnancy. In the first half of pregnancy, the laying of vital organs in the baby occurs. In order for this process to proceed in a physiological mode, the expectant mother should definitely include a sufficient amount of fruits, including bananas, in her diet.
After childbirth, bananas should be eaten carefully. The fact is that in these tropical fruits there are components that can provoke the appearance of allergic symptoms in an infant. Breastfeeding mothers should not forget about this. Breastfeeding experts advise against introducing bananas into the diet when lactating too early. So, in the first 3-4 months after the birth of a child, his mother is not recommended to eat these tropical fruits.
When adding a banana to the menu, a woman who is breastfeeding her baby should definitely not forget the principle of gradualness.So, at first it is enough for her to eat only 50 grams of banana pulp. Then you should definitely assess the well-being of the child. If the baby, after eating bananas by his mother, does not have bloating in the abdomen or loose stools, then in this case the number of fruits in the diet can be gradually increased.
To normalize pressure
Banana pulp contains many plant components that reduce blood pressure. It is no coincidence that these tropical fruits are recommended for hypertension and hypertension. In people suffering from such pathologies, against the background of the systematic use of bananas, the risk of complications of these pathological conditions is also reduced.
There are also components in the banana pulp, having a diuretic effect. The removal of excess fluid from the internal environment of the body helps to reduce swelling, and also helps to maintain blood pressure within normal limits.
Cardiologists recommend including bananas in the diet also for people who have a high risk of developing vascular pathologies. The systematic use of these fruits helps to reduce the risk of stroke and thrombotic pathologies that appear in the blood vessels of the brain.
For gout
In order to feel good, people suffering from this disease are advised to exclude from their menu all foods that increase uric acid in the blood. At the same time, the menu for gout should be balanced, which means that it is imperative to include fruits rich in vitamins and mineral compounds. Eating bananas in moderation is possible with this disease.
Banana pulp contains vegetable components that help reduce inflammation in the joints. Also in these tropical fruits there are components that reduce the severity of pain.
For gastrointestinal diseases
Banana pulp contains Lots of fiber for good digestion. These components affect the intestines, leading to the normalization of its work. That is why such fruits are recommended for people who have difficulty with regular emptying of the rectum.
Bananas can also be included in the menu during recovery from an intestinal infection. It is worth noting that these tropical fruits cannot be eaten during the acute period of this disease. They are recommended to be used after stabilization of well-being in order to strengthen the body's strength after an intestinal infection.
Digestive problems can occur due to various reasons. So, in children, an infection caused by rotaviruses can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms in the abdomen. Bananas are introduced into the children's diet for rotavirus infection not immediately. These fruits are added to the menu usually 3-5 days after the onset of the disease. In this case, before the introduction of fruits, it is necessary to discuss this with the pediatrician.
For problems with the heart and blood vessels
Bananas are also rich in components that make the walls of arteries stronger. Elastic blood vessels are the key to good blood circulation. Due to the high content of mineral compounds, bananas are also recommended for high cholesterol. The use of these tropical fruits will help improve the lipid profile of the blood. However, in order to maintain the health of blood vessels, bananas should be eaten regularly.
For diabetes
Bananas are pretty sweet fruits.They contain many natural sugars, which, when released into the blood, lead to an increase in glucose in the bloodstream. People who, due to their diabetes, are forced to control their blood sugar levels, should not consume these fragrant tropical fruits in large quantities.
Endocrinologists note that a banana should be rarely present in the diet of a person with type 2 diabetes. The diet of a person suffering from this disease should mainly contain foods that contain little glucose.
From SARS
Many medicinal folk remedies can be prepared from bananas to help cope with the adverse symptoms of acute respiratory infections. The components contained in these tropical fruits help with coughs, as well as other manifestations of the common cold. You can use such sweet medicines for both adults and children. Moreover, the picky little ones perceive the treatment with bananas perfectly, since medicinal banana medicines have a pleasant sweet taste.
With withdrawal syndrome
Banana pulp contains substances help to reduce the adverse symptoms of a hangover. Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, which promotes the excretion of potassium from the body. Such changes lead to the fact that after drinking alcoholic beverages, a person develops uncomfortable hangover symptoms the next day. In order to fill the body's need for potassium, urgent consumption of foods rich in this mineral is required. Bananas also contain a lot of potassium, which means they contribute to the replenishment of this mineral in the body, and therefore help to improve well-being.
Application for bruises
The possibility of using banana pulp to treat hematomas and various skin lesions is unknown to many. This tropical fruit contains herbal ingredients, including nicotinic acid, which help to improve the tone of blood vessels. Traditional medicine experts recommend applying banana pulp to a bruise to cope with bruises that have appeared on the body.
The bark of this plant can also be used to treat small hematomas. To do this, you just need to apply it to the area of \u200b\u200bthe skin where the bruise is located and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After that, the crust must be removed, and the skin should be washed with water. This should be done 3-4 times a day.
Bananas are also used by manufacturers of cosmetic products. So, they add plant extracts of banana to products designed to care for the skin under the eyes. Their use helps to cope with swelling in this anatomical zone. The complex of mineral compounds and vitamins helps to improve the elasticity of the delicate skin under the eyes, helping to slow down the appearance of age-related changes.
Are ripe, unripe, or dried fruits healthier?
Bananas can be bought in almost any store or supermarket. These fruits are also sold in the markets. On the shelves you can find fruits of different sizes and colors. In this case, a reasonable question arises as to which bananas are better to choose. It all depends on the purpose of the purchase.
For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to choose ripe fruits. They contain a sufficient amount of substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human body. In green fruits, the concentration of such biologically active components is insufficient. Overripe fruits can provoke the appearance of adverse symptoms, especially in people who suffer from diseases of the pancreas.
Scientists note that the yellow pulp contains more beta-carotene, an important component for the functioning of the cells of the human body. For people who want to eat these tropical fruits in order to strengthen immunity, it is better to give preference to yellow fruits when buying.
As the fruit ripens, the content of ascorbic acid also increases. This can be noticed not only by scientists, but also by ordinary people. To do this, they should simply pay attention to the color of the fetus.
Green fruits contain significantly less carotene than yellow or orange ones. It is the intense yellow color that indicates, as a rule, that the fruit is rich in beta-carotene, which is useful for the body. The use of such fruits will help improve vision, as well as increase the body's resistance to various infections due to strengthening the immune system.
Plant components useful for the body are found not only in fresh fruits, but also in dried ones. However, it is impossible to consume dried fruits in large quantities, as they can contribute to the rapid appearance of additional centimeters on the body. Dried fruits are a real delicacy, a dessert. If you use it in small quantities and periodically, then in this case you should not worry about weight gain. Dried bananas can not only be bought at the store, but you can also make your own.
Sun-dried bananas are not only a delicacy, but also a real source of components useful for the body. However, in order to really improve the functioning of your internal organs, it is recommended to choose high-quality sweets.Improper handling of dried fruit can even lead to symptoms of food poisoning in some cases. Fruits that have been naturally withered, without the use of chemical additives that are hazardous to health, are considered the best.
How to grow a banana at home, see the following video.