Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber and carotenoids, B vitamins that help support many important physiological functions and when eaten regularly (about 1-2 fruits/day), you can really get clear benefits.
First of all, the most prominent benefits are supporting blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Potassium is a key mineral in regulating permeability pressure and vasoconstriction; Eating potassium-rich foods like bananas helps the body excrete excess sodium, reduce stress on vasoconstriction and lower blood pressure.
One or two bananas a day is a practical way to add potassium to your diet.
Second, bananas aid digestion and intestinal microflora. Green bananas (or undercooked bananas) are rich in resistant starch, a prebiotic that promotes beneficial bacteria in the intestines, while ripe bananas provide soluble pectin that helps regulate bowel movements.
Many recent studies and reviews show that banana products (including green banana powder) can improve microbiome structure, aid digestion and reduce digestive disorders when eaten regularly.
Therefore, eating 1-2 bananas a day helps maintain the frequency of bowel movements and improve intestinal health over time.
Third, bananas are a convenient and safe source of energy for physical and mental activities. Bananas provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose) along with vitamin B6, which helps metabolise energy and synthesize neurotransmitter.
For practitioners, a banana before or after a workout can compensate for electrolytes, reduce cramps and promote recovery. Cleveland Clinic and many clinical health sources clearly state that bananas are a healthy snacking choice, rich in nutrients but easy to digest.
One thing that few people think of: eating bananas regularly can be associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease in some epidemiological studies. Major analysis of fruit consumption shows that moderate consumption of fruits such as bananas is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and overall mortality in patients with high blood pressure.
Note, people with kidney disease or are taking potassium-adjusting medication should discuss with their doctor before eating a lot of bananas.
