Tag: healthy food

Banana Super Powers

Though they are native to Asia, Bananas grow in much warmer parts of the world. They are part of the berry family, contain a fair amount of fiber and antioxidants, help you lose weight, reduce bloat, fight cancer and increase your energy, all for just 19 cents a piece. At least that’s what they are going for at Trader Joe’s

One medium-sized banana (118 grams) contains 

Potassium: 9% of the RDI.

Vitamin B6: 33% of the RDI.

Magnesium: 8% of the RDI.

Copper: 10% of the RDI.

Manganese: 14% of the RDI.

Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.

Protein: 1.3 grams.

Fat: 0.4 grams.

Net carbs: 24 grams.

Fiber: 3.1 grams.

Each Banana contains almost 105 calories, consists mostly of carbs, water, and contains very little protein and no fat.

The carbs in green bananas are mostly of starch and resistant starch, but as the banana turns yellow, starch turns into sugar (glucose, fructose, and sucrose).

They improve digestion

Bananas contain nutrients that help moderate body sugar levels after meals. They also help to reduce one’s appetite by slowing stomach emptying.

Assist in Weight loss 

Because of their appetite reducing effects, Bananas’s can assist in weight loss, since they are low in calories and high in nutrients your bodies need. 

Help in Sustaining your Hearts Health 

In my opinion, Banana’s are the best source of potassium and magnesium. These particular nutrients are essential for a healthy heart. 

A great source of antioxidants 

Bananas are high in antioxidants, such as dopamine and catechins. These potent antioxidants have been known to reduce the damage of free radicals, and lower risks of degenerative diseases, and heart disease. 

A common misunderstanding is that dopamine from bananas acts as a feel-good chemical in the brain, but dopamine produced by bananas never cross the blood-brain barrier. It simply acts as a strong antioxidant instead of altering hormones or mood

Banana’s help you feel full

Bananas ripe and unripe contain high amounts of resistant starch or pectin, both have been shown to have appetite-reducing effects. Both help keep you full. 

Unripe Bananas are a diabetic’s friend

Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for many of the world’s most serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that 15–30 grams of resistant starch per day may improve insulin sensitivity by 33–50%, in as little as 4 weeks

Unripe bananas are a great source of resistant starch, and could, therefore, help improve insulin sensitivity.

Banana’s lend help to your kidneys

Thanks to its potassium potency, eating bananas several times a week can reduce the risk of kidney disease by up to 50%. Potassium is essential for blood pressure control and healthy kidney function.

Works like protein when it comes to Muscles

Because your muscle tissue is made up predominantly of protein, it needs an infusion of dietary protein, such as whey (pref. casein), that is rich in essential amino acids and can repair the damage that occurs during exercise. Potassium also assists your muscle recovery from a workout, strengthens their development and allows you to work out more.

Helps with PMS

Bananas have a  great amount of vitamin B6, which balance glucose ratios in blood and control typical mood swings. You don’t have to eat three bananas daily, but you should try to eat them during menstruation. They decrease stomach, back pain, and will make you happy.

Improves brain functions 

Bananas have a good amount of potassium & magnesium, both minerals are so important for brain development. Potassium provides oxygen to the brain and magnesium repairs electrical activities between the nerves and brain. Eating bananas daily, active your brain and improve memory. They also protect you from Alzheimer and other neurological diseases.

People don’t often carry bananas with them for the day because they are afraid of the banana getting squashed and getting all over the contents of their bag. There’s a solution for this with the Banana Saver.