When was the last time you ate a banana? If you are like most dieters, you probably avoid these fruits because of their high carb content. Big mistake!
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition.
A single fruit has over 22% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6. It also has lots of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. Also, these sweet treats are high in fiber. Fiber prevents blood sugar spikes and reduces hunger.
Believe it or not, a banana a day can keep the doctor away. This fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth, fuel your workouts, and improve digestion.
Need more proof? Here are seven reasons to eat bananas every day.
1. Catch More Zzz’s
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in bananas, improves sleep and promotes relaxation. This compound is natural. It helps your body make serotonin and melatonin. This leads to better sleep.
Eating a banana a day will also lift your mood and boost your immune system. Tryptophan fights insomnia. It also raises the feel-good brain hormones.
2. Upgrade Your Diet
Eating a banana a day is all it takes to get more nutrients in your diet. This fruit provides optimal amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Bananas also have more protein than most fruits. This makes them perfect for active people. Also, they contain both simple and complex carbs. These provide lasting energy all day.
3. Fuel Your Workouts
Bananas are rich in potassium and other minerals. They can balance your electrolytes and boost your energy. They’re a healthy alternative to sports drinks and energy gels.
Plus, they contain no added sugar and synthetic flavors. This makes them ideal for athletes, gym-goers, and dieters.
4. Keep Diabetes at Bay
Unripe bananas have resistant starch. It helps improve insulin response and cut diabetes risk. Plus, they’re high in fiber, which regulates your blood sugar levels.
These fruits can replace your go-to snacks without adding inches to your waistline. They’re naturally sweet. They will satisfy your cravings and boost your energy.
5. Enjoy Better Digestion
A medium-sized banana provides three grams of fiber. This is about 12 percent of the recommended daily intake.
Fiber regulates blood glucose levels and slows sugar absorption into your system. Plus, it increases satiety, so you’ll feel full longer.
This nutrient also aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes colon health. Studies have linked high-fiber diets to a reduced risk of colon cancer.
6. Keep Your Heart Healthy
These tasty fruits are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress, a major risk for heart disease.
They also contain large amounts of potassium, a mineral that promotes cardiovascular health.
According to researchers, this nutrient regulates vascular calcification and prevents atherosclerosis. Eating a banana a day can reduce heart disease risk and keep your arteries supple.
7. Get Rid of Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps and aches are often due to low potassium levels in the body. Bananas have plenty of this mineral. They may help prevent and relieve muscle pain.
They also boast large amounts of vitamin B6, which helps with menstrual cramps and PMS.
A Banana a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
As you see, there are plenty of reasons to include bananas in your daily menu. These tasty, healthy foods fight hunger and cravings. They also boost workout and prevent disease.
Get creative in the kitchen and add these fruits to your recipes! Try banana pancakes, muffins, smoothies, and even banana bread.
What’s your favorite way to eat bananas? Do you have any recipes you’d like to share? Drop a line below!
