Bananas are a familiar fruit around the world. They taste good, are not messy and can be part of any diet. Not only are bananas easy on your wallet, but they also supply many health advantages.
Research Shows How Bananas Help All of Us
1. Raise your Blood Sugar Levels
The fiber in bananas creates a gel to slow down the process of sugar being picked up into your blood. Unripe bananas also have resistant starch that stays undigested by the digestive system.
Healthline suggests that eating fiber in any form delays digestion which leads to feeling less hungry after eating and aids in controlling blood sugar. Consequently, people who are healthy do not get a big increase in blood sugar after consuming bananas. Those with diabetes may eat bananas, but they should keep an eye on how much they have.
2. Support the health of your kidneys.
Potassium in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and look after the kidneys. Research in more than 5,000 people with early-stage kidney disease points out that potassium can control blood pressure and slow kidney damage.
However, control of potassium is extremely important for people in end-stage kidney disease and those on dialysis. If bananas seem to cause you discomfort, visit your doctor before you eat many.
3. Include high levels of antioxidants.
Taking bananas supports your health by reducing your vulnerability to heart-related and other degenerative diseases. They defend cells from damage done by free radicals and help stop premature aging and various other health complications.
4. Promote a Strong and Healthy Stomach
About 3 grams of fiber in a medium banana makes digestion easier and helps avoid constipation.
Green bananas have resistant starch that helps our digestive system by feeding helpful bacteria.
Because of pectin in bananas, eating ripe or unripe can soften stool and promote healthy bowel movements. While studies suggest that pectin may guard against colon cancer, their conclusions require further studies to become definite.
Bananas taste great and are also good for your digestive system, heart health and kidneys.
Foods You Shouldn’t Eat Along with Bananas
1. Yogurt
Yogurt usually goes well with banana. Still, people with sensitive stomachs should skip this blended drink because it may lead to discomfort or diarrhea.
2. Potatoes
A mix of nutrients in bananas and potatoes can sometimes create a reaction that produces toxins and leaves brown marks on the surface of the combined food. According to safety advice, you should wait at least 15 minutes after eating one to have the other.
3. Recipes Involving Sweet Potatoes and Taro
Bananas do not usually grow well together with most tubers. While bananas and potatoes might be harmful, bananas mixed with sweet potatoes or taro are likely to give someone stomach issues and bloating.
4. Watermelon
Watermelon contains plenty of sugar and also contains potassium. Being rich in potassium (283-472 mg per 100g), bananas are not suggested for those with kidney failure unless they are eaten without melons at any time.
When Is the Best Time to Eat Bananas?
I already discussed the amazing benefits of bananas for your health. Following a schedule helps your body properly make use of all the important nutrients found in fruits.
Ideally, wait 1–2 hours after eating before enjoying a banana and try to consume it roughly 30 minutes before or only after exercising. All the carbs, water, vitamins and minerals in bananas supply energy for exercise, help during workouts and support your muscles afterward. You can use bananas to rebalance your electrolytes—they are good sources of potassium and magnesium.
It is sometimes good to eat a banana just before going to bed. Tryptophan, found in bananas, helps trigger the body’s production of melatonin. Melatonin helps your body fall asleep quickly and ensures you rest well overnight.
It’s best to avoid eating bananas at the following two times to prevent problems.
1. When You Need a Snack
Scientists believe that eating bananas in the morning, on an empty stomach, may be bad for your heart.
High magnesium and potassium levels in bananas are why they are helpful for your body. It’s better to eat when you are hungry to prevent bloating, discomfort and arrhythmia. That’s why it’s better to eat a banana after you have eaten a meal.
2. When You Start the Day or on Days Where You Already Have Much to Focus On
Bananas contain serotonin which relaxes your body and may make you feel a bit tired. So, having bananas for breakfast or when your mind needs to be sharp might leave you feeling less alert.
Eat yogurt or oats first thing in the morning and only have the bananas after your hunger is subsided.