Bananas are a great food for all round health benefits, for the average person, dieter or even athletes bananas may provide greater benefits than most fruits. The combination of carbohydrates and B vitamins present in a banana helps provide an energy boost which makes them great to eat 30 minutes before a workout, or even at breakfast to help boost energy at the start of every day.
Bananas are not only a good source of B vitamins they also contain vitamin C, A and high levels of potassium. The natural fiber in bananas also contribute to the many health benefits listed below.
Health benefits of eating banana
healthy bowels
cardiovascular health
protection from strokes
protection from ulcers
improve blood pressure
may boost mood
boost energy
help reduce water retention.
Bananas and losing weight
Bananas may be one of the best fruits to eat when attempting to lose weight. They are full of nutrients for increased energy and vitality. Bananas are also low in calories and fat, plus they have a high water content and potassium levels. A diet high in potassium* foods and lower in sodium-loaded processed foods can help reduce water weight.
The calorie content of bananas are low to medium. Most of the calories in a banana come from carbohydrates, both naturally forming simple sugars and starch forms its carbohydrate content. Its interesting to note that the composition of carbohydrate calories change on ripening, the sugar levels rise and the starch levels fall as a banana ripens. It means that bananas are probably easier to digest the more ripe and yellow the fruit becomes.
The protein calories in a banana only make up about one percent of its total calorie content however, this is much higher than the fat calories in the fruit which is less than one half percent.
There are many other fruits that have a calorie content lower than bananas.
The calories in a banana are digested slowly and help supply the body with a steady source of energy. Bananas are great for an energy boost if eaten about an hour before physical activity.
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