So, what are the health benefits of bananas? What happens if you eat 2 bananas a day regularly? We already know that the fruit is a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamins C and B6. But do you know that eating just two bananas a day for a month can greatly reduce the risk of developing cancer? What else can two bananas do? Let’s find out.
In this Chlorine post, we will talk in detail about why this amazing fruit is so useful for our overall health.
Bananas, a Powerful Source of Potassium
Potassium plays a vital role in the body. It regulates blood pressure, heart rate, and stimulates insulin secretion. These all in turn ensure a healthy cardiovascular mechanism. Together with sodium, potassium controls the level of fluid in the body.
The fact that a large number of people do not get enough potassium through their normal diet, bananas come to the rescue.
The daily potassium requirement for an adult is about 3500-4700 mg per day. Meanwhile, just two medium-sized bananas can inject a powerful shot of 900 mg of potassium.
Bananas Can Regulate Blood Sugar Level
As mentioned above, potassium plays a vital role in regulating insulin secretion. When the blood sugar level increases after food intake, insulin moves extra glucose from the bloodstream to individual cells.
And together with sodium, they regulate blood pressure as well. Unfortunately, we often consume too much sodium and too little potassium. Thus, blood pressure may rise to unhealthy levels.
Bananas provide a solid dose of potassium and thus reduce the risk of high blood pressure and sugar levels.
They Reduce the Risk of Developing Cancer
Fruits and vegetables in general contribute to lowering the risk of cancer development. This is because they provide essential vitamins and minerals that fight free radicals. Bananas in particular are a rich source of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that may contribute to the development of cancer. What’s more, the fiber keeps the digestive tract healthy and reduces the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
Bananas are Great for Cardiovascular Health
Potassium, the fruit is highly rich in, again comes to the rescue. Studies have shown that people who consumed at least 4,000 mg of potassium per day are 49% less likely to die from coronary heart disease than those who consumed 1,000 mg per day. Therefore, as the single richest source of potassium, bananas are a necessary addition to our daily diet.
Other than potassium, Vitamin C, B6, and dietary fiber also play a key role in keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
Related: What Happens If You Drink Lemon Water for 7 Days?
Great For Gastrointestinal Health
The digestive system loves bananas. Potassium helps to stabilize the electrolyte balance, and fiber facilitates the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Bananas also contain pectin, i.e. soluble fiber that binds to cholesterol and regulates the absorption of glucose during the digestive process.
Should You Eat 2 Bananas a Day?
While eating two bananas a day will benefit most people, people with certain health conditions are required to avoid consuming the fruit in excess. Patients taking beta-blockers for heart disease are especially recommended to eat bananas.
Because beta-blockers raise the level of potassium in the blood. Additional potassium from bananas can increase it to unhealthy levels.
What are the symptoms of excess potassium in the diet?
- Somnolence.
- Apathy.
- Vomiting;
- Dizziness.
- Balance disorders.
- Muscle cramps.
- Numbness.
- Seizures.
- Bradycardia.
Bananas are among the foods with an average glycemic index due to the sugar content, so diabetics can also eat them in reasonable amounts.
So, what do you think? Are you going to introduce two bananas into your diet from now on?
