Going bananas takes a whole new meaning.
The fruit, which is essentially a type of berry, is something you would want to consume every time you sit on the dining table. Though they' are soft and tasty, they are pretty much underrated and underappreciated - other types of berries and apples take the top two spots, while it's a mainstay at third, according to American fruit sales figures in 2013.
However, recent medical studies suggest that there's more to the fleshy and sweet fruit: it is chock-full of nutrients and which would make other fruits envious. With that said, here's what these evidence-based studies say about it:
Bananas contain a truckload of nutrients
According to Authority Nutrition, a regular, 105-calorie banana contains the following nutrients and how much the fruit can provide in terms of RDI (required daily intake):
- Vitamin C: it can provide 11% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: It can provide 33% of the RDI
- Manganese: 14% of the RDI
- Potassium: 9% of the RDI
Furthermore, the fruit has an ample amount of fiber (3.1 grams) and protein (1.3 grams).
Bananas improve digestive health
Since bananas are rich in fiber, this means the fruit is an instigator of good digestive health. Basically, fiber is needed by the digestive tract in order to soften and pass stools - without enough fiber intake, people would be suffering from constipation.
Pectin, a type of fiber found in bananas, may be able to prevent colon cancer. This is suggested by a study. Although evidence is inconclusive, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Bananas are full of powerful antioxidants
One of the reasons why bananas are always present in cleansing shakes and diets is simply because of it containing a good amount of antioxidants. These are dopamine and catechins, which have also been linked by researchers to reduce the risk of heart disease and other degenerative diseases.
Apart from these, bananase have also been linked to helping people lose weight, stabilize blood sugar levels, and can help you exercise effectively. Overall, it's definitely a fruit you would want to have on your plate every mealtime.
