Clean eating is a craze everyone is eager to jump on. Aside from being trendy, its health benefits are undeniable in the long run.
But actually committing to a diet of tofu, soy milk and quinoa can be a lot easier said than done. The good news is your favorite fruits can fit into this diet plan perfectly, making the transition not nearly as tough to swallow. And there’s a specific fruit that goes above and beyond in health gains for your body – the banana!
Over 100 billion bananas are eaten across the world every year, and are the subject of more songs than any other fruit.
Whether you’re already enjoying your fair share of this fabulous fruit, or you need more convincing, here are five benefits to eating bananas regularly.
They Are Loaded With Nutrients
It’s no secret bananas provide a healthy dose of potassium, but did you know they’re rich in Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, magnesium and fiber too? One banana can give you about 1/4 of the recommended daily amount of B-6, and its absorption rate is unmatched by dietary supplements. And while citrus-type fruits are the first that come to mind for Vitamin C, a medium-sized banana actually provides 15% of your daily requirement. All in all, the nutrients in bananas can reduce risk of cancer, improve cognitive function, aid bone health and strengthen the immune system.
They Can Help You Lose Weight
Trying to incorporate bananas into a healthy diet? One of the most interesting effects of fiber (one banana provides 12% of your daily value) is that it slows down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer. Even the simple smell of a banana has been shown to suppress appetite and reduce hunger pangs. So when you’re searching for a satisfying snack that won’t kill your diet, bananas are the way to go.
They Lower Blood Pressure
Speaking of health, studies show bananas can help lower the silent killer that is high blood sugar. Potassium Citrate, which we previously mentioned bananas have plenty, is effective in controlling blood sugar. In fact, consuming this important nutrient regularly has been shown to decrease blood sugar significantly. And being nearly sodium-free in comparison, bananas help neutralize the effects of a high sodium intake, which in turn, keep the heart healthy too.
They Make You Happy
It’s true. Bananas not only have mood-boosting B9, but they also have tryptophan which is a precursor for serotonin, one of the most important chemicals in the brain. That’s because it’s a natural anti-depressant that combats fatigue, anxiety, anger and more. They’re a natural, real food source to promote positivity, reduce stress and fight depression. And a banana before bed could help you relax and regulate sleep.
They’re A Great Post-Workout Snack
Why do athletes love bananas so much? Well, for starters, they provide antioxidants and other nutrients necessary to endure long, hard workouts naturally. As a mid- or post-workout snack, they’ve been proven to fuel performance as well as sports drinks do, giving you an alternative healthier carbohydrate source. Even further, they convert quickly into energy, helping boost muscles and improve recovery time.
With facts like these, America’s yummiest fruit just got a whole lot more satisfying. So next time you’re craving a snack that’s healthy AND delicious, just grab a banana!
