A banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a berry produced by several kinds of herbaceous flowering plants in the genus musa. The fruit is variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with a soft flesh rich in starch covered by a rind, which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant.
Some health benefits of Banana are as follows:
- Lower blood pressure (As bananas are a rich source of potassium, they help to reduce blood pressure. Potassium helps in relieving the tension in arteries and veins so blood can flow smoothly and oxygenate various organs to increase their function. The fiber in bananas also scraps excess cholesterol from the arteries and blood vessels).
- Prevents kidney disorders (potassium and various antioxidants in bananas help ease the strain on kidneys and encourage urination).
- Provides relief from constipation and (hemorrhoids) piles (bananas’ dietary fiber helps in smooth bowel movement. The laxative effect prevents any kind of strain, thus providing relief and curing hemorrhoids – swollen veins around the anus region).
- Helps manage diabetes (pectin, in bananas is said to be a nutrient that aids in improving glucose tolerance in diabetics).
- Improves vision (bananas are packed with antioxidants and carotenoids as well as minerals that can boost the health of eyes. Macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and glaucoma have all been shown to decrease with normal intake of bananas).
- Preserves memory and boosts mood (the amino acid tryptophan and antioxidants like dopamine, play a vital role in boosting mood and preserving memory. Also, magnesium helps to relax muscles and vitamin B6 helps you sleep well).
- Gives relief from symptoms of anemia (bananas contain high iron content that aid in treating anemia since iron is an essential part of red blood cells. Also copper which is an important element in the creation of red blood cells).
- Anti-inflammatory properties (compounds inside bananas are anti-inflammatory in nature, meaning that they can reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation from conditions like arthritis and gou).
- Anti-ulcerogenic properties (bananas have been used as an antacid food to soothe upset stomachs as they suppress acid secretion.The protease inhibitors in bananas eliminate the harmful bacteria that have been linked to the development of stomach ulcers).
- Weight loss (they contain a lot of fiber that is easy to digest and very filling hence will not make the person feel hungry which will reduce overeating and help in weight loss).
Side effects of banana are:
- Allergy (Those who are allergic to bananas may experience itching, hives, swelling, and wheezing in the throat and mouth).
- Migraine (Those you get frequent migraine attacks are advised to have no more than half a banana a day).
- High potassium levels (Certain medicines taken for heart disease and hypertension have the ability to raise potassium levels in the body such as beta-blockers and diuretics. Therefore, those on medication are advised to consult a doctor before adding bananas to their diet).
- Unripe bananas (Can cause severe indigestion and should be eaten only in a cooked form).
- Gastrointestinal distress (Due to the plentiful amount of fiber, eating too many bananas may cause various gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and many more).