Bananas are a very popular fruit. They are rich in essential nutrients that can protect your health.
Eating bananas can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer.
This article will discuss the health benefits of bananas. It includes regularity and improving heart health. This article also discusses possible health risks associated with bananas due to the association doctors have made.
Health benefits
The nutrition information is sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Blood pressure
The American Heart AssociationTrusted source (AHA) encourages people to reduce their salt and sodium intake and eat more potassium foods. Potassium is a good option to lower blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
According to the nutritional information found in the above sources, a medium banana contains almost 9% of the daily potassium requirements for a person.
Asthma
According to a 2007 study, eating bananas may help wheeze in children with asthma. One reason for this could be leukemia cell growth.
Lectin is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are molecules that help to eliminate free radicals. Cell damage, which can lead to cancer, may occur with too many free radicals.
Researchers found that children who ate bananas, orange juice or both had a lower chance of developing leukemia in 2004.
The study authors suggested that this could be due to the cholesterol.
Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association recommends eating bananas and other fruits as they are rich in fiber. They mention that fiber can lower blood sugar levels.
The author of 2018 concluded that eating a high fiber diet could reduce the risk of
Potassium
Bananas contain potassium. Potassium regulates the movement and flow of nutrients and other waste products within and outside cells.
Potassium helps nerve cells to communicate and muscles contract. Potassium keeps your heart healthy and helps to lower blood pressure.
Other banana products
Other banana products include banana chips and banana powder.
People should check the label of processed products before buying them, as they may contain added sugar, salt, or fat.
Plantain is a savory cousin of the banana popular in Central America. People need to cook plantain before eating it. Plantain chips are also available to buy.
Risks
Some people should take care not to eat too many bananas.
Beta-blockers: Doctors often prescribe these drugs to reduce the risk of associated complications with cardiovascular disease. Beta-blockers can raise potassium levels in the blood.
Consuming too much potassium can be harmful to those whose kidneys are not fully functional. If the kidneys cannot remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal. In moderation, people who use beta-blockers should eat high potassium foods, such as bananas.
What else should you know about beta-blockers? Find out here.
Allergy: Bananas may trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Anyone who experiences itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing should seek medical help. A severe reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
