The Fruit That’s So Easy to Eat, Even a Monkey Can Do It
Did you know that bananas are curved because they grow towards the sun? That’s why they’re always a little bit happy. Or maybe they’re just trying to avoid slipping on their own peels.
Bananas are a fruit that is native to Southeast Asia. They are a member of the Musaceae family, which also includes plantains, lilies, and ginger. Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They are also a good source of resistant starch, which can help improve gut health.
Bananas are available all year round and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or frozen. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes.
Here are some of the health benefits of bananas:
- Improved gut health: Resistant starch in bananas can help improve gut health by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Reduced blood pressure: Potassium in bananas can help lower blood pressure.
- Improved heart health: Potassium in bananas can also help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Boosted energy levels: Bananas are a good source of carbohydrates, which can provide a quick boost of energy.
- Improved digestion: Fiber in bananas can help improve digestion by preventing constipation.
- Reduced risk of anemia: Bananas are a good source of iron, which can help reduce the risk of anemia.
Bananas are a healthy and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a good source of nutrients and can help improve overall health.
Here are some tips for choosing and storing bananas:
- Choose bananas that are firm and have a bright yellow color. Avoid bananas that are brown or bruised.
- Bananas can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Once they start to turn brown, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Bananas can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze bananas, peel them and slice them into pieces. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer bag or container.
Benefits:
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Blood pressure: Rich in potassium and hence increased vasodilation effect.
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Asthma: Found to prevent asthmatic attack.
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Cancer: consuming banana can lower the risk for child hood leukemia and colo-rectal cancer.
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Heart health: An increased potassium intake as in bananas and decreased sodium intake is necessary to fight heart disease.
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Reduces the risk of stroke
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Preserves muscle mass.
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Preserves bone density.
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Reduces the formation of kidney stones.
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Can prevent constipation.
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Improves blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
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Can reimburse the lost potassium content in case of Diarrhoea.
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Contains the amino acid tryptophan that can boost memory and fights depression. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157.php
Interactions
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High potassium level in banana can interact with ACE inhibitors such as captopril and enalopril. Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/20/food-drug-interactions/1827229/
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Potassium in Banana can interact with diuretics.
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Bananas are rich in Tyramine and can interact with oxazolidinone antibacterials. Rich in tyramine and can interact with antimycobacterials. Tyramine in banana can interact with MAOI -Antidepressants. Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/generaluseofmedicine/ucm229033.pdf
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High potassium level in banana can interact with potassium supplements such as Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, eplerenone, Drosperenone.and potassium sparing diuretics. Source: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-77342-potassium-watermelon-banana+Oral.aspx?drugid=77342&drugname=potassium-watermelon-banana+Oral&pagenumber=7
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Consumption with alcohol can cause migraine head aches. Source: http://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf
Health conditions to avoid banana:
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People with Bipolar disorder taking MAOI`s should avoid banana for its tyramine content. Source: http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-diet-foods-to-avoid?page=2
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Patients with arrythmia should avoid banana Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2374295/Heart-palpitations-blamed-foods-ripe-bananas-cheese-beans.html
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Banana can worsen acid reflux in some people. Source: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20440834_6,00.html
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Banana should be avoided by people with Chronic kidney disease Source: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/NutritionLateCKD/index.aspx
Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric: https://www.pexels.com/photo/copy-space-photo-of-yellow-bananas-2872755/
NOTE: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please consult a doctor. We do not endorse any specific products or treatments, and we do not claim to cure or treat any medical conditions. The information on this website is based on our own research and experience, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. View the full disclaimer here
