The plantain or banana is a very popular fruit and ideal for breakfast, snacks and desserts.
Bananas are energy foods with lots of nutrients and fiber. It is considered a very suitable food for all types of people, although people with diabetes or certain kidney problems cannot abuse them.
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12 properties and benefits of the banana
The banana is a fruit with very unique characteristics . Beyond its particular shape and color, the banana contains many properties and characteristics that are worth learning about. Today we are lucky enough to be able to consume it, but it was not always like this.
The original species comes from Southeast Asia, but man has been selecting it over the years to obtain the current fruit. Today it is widely cultivated in many areas of the tropics, especially in the Caribbean and the Canary Islands.
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1. It has many vitamins
Banana is a fruit with many different vitamins . Specifically it contains vitamins A, C, D, E and K and different from group B, specifically B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. It is thus a source of vitality by allowing you to face the day with complete guarantees, so it is an excellent idea to take it during breakfast.
2. Provides many minerals
The contribution of minerals from the banana is also considerable . Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and fluorine are just some of the minerals that this tropical fruit provides. Undoubtedly a great resource to remineralize the body
3. Contains fiber
This fruit provides very significant amounts of fiber . All fruits are good sources of fiber, but the banana is above average. Fiber favors gastrointestinal function helping to combat different conditions. It has the property of improving the bacterial flora of the intestine, constipation or intestinal transit.
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4. Provides energy
The banana is a fruit that provides a lot of energy . It generally provides twice the energy of the same weight in other fruits, which is why it represents a special food. It is suitable for times when extra energy is needed. Of course, it is not advisable to eat two or more bananas at once.
5. It is very practical as a snack
The banana is one of the easiest fruits to carry and consume . No need to worry about getting your hands wet and smelling after eating it, as might be the case with an orange. The banana contains a natural packaging of the most efficient. This means that it is not necessary to prepare it beforehand and carry it in a tupperware, as is done with watermelon or melon.
6. It is ideal for athletes
People who do sports should know the properties of the banana . This fruit is beneficial for them basically because it allows them to recover energy quickly after intense efforts. It contains many natural sugars that act as electrolytes, apart from the fact that it is a very practical fruit to carry.
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7. Promotes digestion
Banana is an ideal fruit to improve digestion . It is a food that is very easily assimilated by the body, and its sugars are very easily absorbed. It also treats the intestinal mucosa very well, in part thanks to the properties and benefits of fiber on the digestive tract.
8. Reduces acidity and heartburn
Acidity and heartburn cause discomfort in which the banana can help . Fortunately, this fruit allows to combat acidosis and alkaline reserves of the body, which allows to counteract acidity. This in turn calms the pains that can manifest in the stomach.
9. Benefits the nervous and muscular system
The banana has a high concentration of potassium . This mineral is highly involved in the health of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Having enough potassium ensures that nerve transmission is efficient, which helps prevent different problems such as cramps.
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10. Protects the cardiovascular system
The consumption of bananas helps to take care of cardiovascular health . This is pointed out by different studies, which affirm that it helps reduce the probability of suffering a heart attack, regulate cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure. Some of the substances that achieve these effects are fiber and potassium.
11. Improves mood
Banana helps improve mood for different reasons . In the first place, as has already been mentioned, it is energetic and contains vitamins and minerals. However, there is an amino acid that plays a special role in this regard: tryptophan. This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and relaxes.
12. It has many culinary properties
The banana is a fruit that can be consumed in many ways . It looks great in different recipes for breakfast or snack, as well as desserts. Putting it in smoothies, porridge or fruit salad are some of the clearest examples. On the other hand, it can also be crushed and used as part of the batter for pancakes, biscuits and muffins.
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Bibliographic references
- Fernandez, O. (2013). My anti-cancer recipes: Food and anti-cancer life. Barcelona: Uranus Editions .
- Martin, A. (2013). Eat to be better. Keys to healthy eating for the whole family. Barcelona: Grijalbo .
- Stover, RH and Simmonds, NW (1987). Bananas (third edition). Harlow (RU): Longman.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.