Do You Like Bananas? Here's How Eating Them Regularly Affects Your Body

Do You Like Bananas? Here's How Eating Them Regularly Affects Your Body

Bananas are among the world's most popular fruits and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Many people love to eat them daily. But do you know how eating them regularly affects your body?

Originally from Southeast Asia, they were brought to Europe and South America in the 15th century and are now grown primarily in South America. Their rich nutrient profile and easy-to-digest sugars make them ideal for quick energy and are especially popular among athletes.

The Most Popular Varieties of Banana

  • Fruit Bananas: The classic yellow variety, enjoyed fresh and full of vitamins, carbs, and natural sugars.

  • Plantains: Large, often green, bananas are popular in cooking; they're a staple food in many cultures and need to be cooked before eating.
  • Textile Bananas: Grown from fibers used in products like ropes and textiles.

Bananas are technically classified as berries because they grow from an ovary. Interestingly, the name "banana" comes from the Arabic word for "finger," which matches its long, finger-like shape.

What's Inside a Banana?

Bananas are known for their quick energy boost due to easily digestible sugars. That's why they're especially popular among athletes. On average, 100 grams of banana provides:

  • Carbohydrates: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 2.0 grams
  • Magnesium: 30 mg
  • Vitamin C: 12 mg
  • Calcium: 7 mg
  • Other nutrients: Small amounts of sodium, zinc, and vitamin B6. 

What Are The Health Benefits of Bananas?

Bananas offer a range of health benefits that can positively impact your body:

  • Quick Energy Boost: Their simple sugars give you an instant energy lift, which is ideal for physical activity or a midday snack.
  • Supports Heart Health: Bananas contain high potassium and low salt levels, which may help manage blood pressure.
  • Improves Digestion: Their fiber promotes healthy gut bacteria, and bananas can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
  • Balances pH Levels: Bananas may ease symptoms of acid reflux and help prevent stomach ulcers due to their alkaline properties.
  • Promotes Happiness and Sleep: Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that converts into serotonin, the "happiness hormone," which may improve mood and sleep quality.
  • Supports Blood Sugar Regulation: The vitamin B6 in bananas can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial, especially for women experiencing PMS symptom.

Storage Tips

Hang bananas on a hook to keep them fresh longer, and avoid refrigerating them. Storing them next to apples will make them ripen faster due to the ethylene gas apples release.