Introduction
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and are a great source of energy. But did you know that eating bananas can have some surprising side effects, according to science? From helping to reduce stress to improving your digestion, there are many unexpected benefits to eating this delicious fruit. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising side effects of eating bananas, according to science.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Bananas, According to Science
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and for good reason. They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and they’re a great source of energy. But did you know that eating bananas can have some surprising side effects? Here’s what science has to say about the potential benefits and drawbacks of eating this delicious fruit.
Benefits of Eating Bananas
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. They’re also high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full for longer and can aid in digestion. Bananas are also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps to boost your immune system and can help to reduce stress levels. Finally, bananas are a great source of magnesium, which can help to reduce muscle cramps and improve sleep quality.
Drawbacks of Eating Bananas
Although bananas are generally considered to be a healthy food, there are some potential drawbacks to eating them. For example, they’re high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. They’re also high in calories, so if you’re trying to lose weight, you should limit your intake. Finally, bananas can cause bloating and gas if eaten in large quantities, so it’s best to eat them in moderation.
Bottom Line
Overall, bananas are a nutritious and delicious snack that can provide a variety of health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that they’re high in sugar and calories, so it’s best to eat them in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthy snack, try adding a banana to your diet. Just remember to watch your portion sizes and enjoy the delicious taste of this nutritious fruit!
Whether you like to cook with bananas or you simply love enjoying a banana with a scoop of peanut butter, bananas can provide your body with a myriad of health benefits that leave your body feeling incredible. But it’s important to know all of the side effects that happen when you eat bananas, particularly when it comes to the color of the banana when you peel it. Read on to discover the surprising side effects of eating bananas on the regular, and for even more healthy tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
The star nutrient in bananas! One small 7-inch banana can provide your body with around 422 milligrams of potassium, which is about 9% of your recommended intake. If you need even more of a potassium boost for the day, bananas are also closely tied with many other fresh produce options. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, and lentils all have as much or significantly more potassium than bananas. Especially white potatoes, which have double the amount of potassium as bananas!
Here are 21 High Potassium Foods That Keep Your Muscles Healthy and Strong.
As bananas turn from green to spotted, they become sweeter. Spotted bananas have a greater impact on blood sugar, and digest more quickly. In fact, as bananas ripen, the glycemic index doubles! Eating bananas while they are still slightly green ensures you get the best blood sugar-stabilizing effect.
For people with diabetes, Toby Smithson, MS RDN, from Diabetes Everyday, says “…bananas are a source of carbohydrate so they are not an all you can eat food. An extra small banana is considered one serving of carbohydrate, or 15 grams [of] carbs!”
Here’s One Surprising Side Effect of Eating Bananas you need to know more about.
An unripe banana could be worsening your constipation issues. Due to the slow digestion of a green banana’s unique molecules—pectin fiber and resistant starch—individuals who already have slow digestion should take caution. To be on the safe side, drink plenty of water when eating “green-er” bananas.
Conversely, those who struggle with diarrhea or loose stools may actually benefit from adding this fibrous fruit to their diet to slow things down. Kids are particularly sensitive to the digestive effects of the fiber in bananas.
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Bananas are naturally packed with almost 10% of your daily requirement for potassium and magnesium, also known as the essential minerals that make up electrolytes. That’s a combo that’s hard to find in nature. Electrolytes move our water and energy into the muscles instead of the bloodstream. This means that your muscles get the fuel they need to recover from exercise so that you can get back to the gym with less fatigue! Eat a banana post-workout, drink plenty of fluids, and your muscles will thank you.
Bananas are organically hydrating due to their electrolyte content. In fact, combining electrolytes with your water intake has shown to be more hydrating than water alone! Especially before and after exercise, hydrating with electrolytes is important.
“Potassium is lost in your sweat when you exercise, which often causes muscle cramps. Potassium and sodium levels must be replenished along with water if you have exercised over an hour,” says Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, author of The Nourishing Meal Builder.
Sodium intake among Americans has significantly increased over time, while potassium intake has decreased over time. This phenomenon has created the perfect storm for high blood pressure from the standard American diet.
The potassium content of bananas, and many other fruit and vegetables, balances sodium in the body, directly impacting blood pressure. Because sodium and potassium work together in the body, adding bananas to a high sodium diet may positively impact blood pressure.
Bananas—specifically green bananas—are high in two types of fiber: pectin and resistant starch. A medium-sized banana is a good source of fiber as it contains three grams of total fiber. These fibers slow down digestion and keep you full longer. Keep in mind: the more spotted the banana appears, the less fiber it has, and the faster you’ll digest it!
Here’s why fiber i100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet The #1 Thing To Eat Every Day To Lose Weight For Good.