Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Eating bananas could help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer and asthma. A wide variety of other health benefits are associated with this curvy yellow fruit. Apart from being high in potassium and pectin, a form of fibre, bananas are also a good source of magnesium and vitamins C and B6. The banana tree is known for its anti bacterial properties. Banana is high in antioxidants which provide protection from free radicals, with which we come in contact every day. This article gives an insight into various health benefits of banana and is banana good for weight loss or weight gain
Ayurvedic properties
- Taste : Sweet and astrigent
- Potency : Cooling
- Digestion : Heavy
- Dosha : Pacify vata, pita and may increase kapha
- Karma : Provides instant energy
- Avoid combining with milk, yogurt or water
Nutritional Properties
Macro Nutrition 1 Medium size (120 grams) :
- Calories : 105
- Carbs : 24 grams
- Fibre : 3.5 grams
- Protein : 2 grams
- Fat : 0.5 grams
Micro Nutrition 1 Medium size (120 grams)
- Potassium : 09% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6 : 33% of the RDI
- Vitamin C : 11% of the RDI
- Magnesium : 08% of the RDI
- Copper : 10% of the RDI
- Manganese : 14% of the RDI
- Potato : 06% of the RDI
*RDI stands for recommended daily intake
Health benefits of ripe banana
- Provides instant energy and strength to the body
- Improves digestive health of the body
- Supports weight loss
- Is very good for the heart health
- Contains powerful antioxidants
- Keeps you full for long
- Improves kidney health
- Banana is very rich in electrolytes
- Relieves constipation, acidity, bloating and heart burn
- Boosts sperm health and libido
- Helps you maintain healthy skin and hair
- Provides relief in menstural cramps
- Is anti inflammatory, helps you fight depression and stress
Having banana empty stomach
- Banana are acidic in nature
- They contain high amount of potassium and magnesium
- This can lead to imbalance between calcium and magnesium in blood
- Team up banana with soaked dry fruits for best results
Glycemic Index
- Glycemic index of a food is it’s ability to increase the level of glucose in the blood
- It is measured on a scale or index of 1 to 100
- Banana have a glycemic index in the range of 51 – 54 which is considered moderate
Banana for weight loss
- Have one banana
- Have it in the morning hours
- Consume the banana around workouts
- Consume it uncooked and alone (no cooked pan cakes etc)
- Reduce the size of main meal if combining banana with it
- Limit smoothies to once a week
Banana for weight gain
- Have more than one banana (max 4)
- Blend it with nuts, milk etc
- Have it in morning and evenings
- Add it with the main meals
- Include banana in shakes and smoothies more often
- Increase your daily water intake as more bananas may lead to constipation
How to eat banana ?
- Must combine it with herbs and spices to promote digestion
- Add cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and black pepper
- Avoid eating it post sunset
- Eat it when you’re at your most active
- People with waek digestion should control portion
- Consume it as a snack then adding it to your meal