Bananas have immense nutritious value as well as other health benefits. Let’s look at some of the key benefits of banana.
Banana for the Skin
Because it’s rich in potassium, banana acts as a great skin moisturizer. You can apply it on dry and peeling skin as a mask. Simply mash some of it up in a bowl, apply on your skin and leave to marinate for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
By applying the insides of the banana peel on acne prone face, you can help reduce inflammation and destroy acne-causing bacteria. By adding some lemon juice and honey you will also be able to prevent your skin from being oily and further combating acne.
Banana masks with added orange juice and yogurt have been used to eliminate wrinkles on the face.
Banana for Hair Growth
Banana contains vitamin B6, complex vitamins that promote the health of eyes, skin, and hair. Although there is no scientific proof to shoe direct link between ingestion of bananas and hair growth, research shows that consumption of the fruit may help slow down the process of hair loss. Moreover, bananas are rich in Vitamin C which assists in the formation of collagen necessary for hair growth.
Banana for Weight Loss
Under-ripe bananas contain a substance known as the resistant start which actually resists the digestion of starch. What this means ultimately is that it ends up feeding healthy gut bacteria that suppresses appetite and enhances efficient oxidation of fats, thus facilitating weight loss.
Because under ripe bananas are a tad bitter, you can consume them in fruit smoothies and vegetables to conceal the taste.
Banana for Pregnancy
Bananas are rich in folic acid which aids in the growth of nerve, spinal, and brain matter. It also helps prevent the risk of premature and defective births.
Because bananas are rich in iron, they assist in the production of hemoglobin in the blood, consequently preventing anemia in pregnancy.
Vitamin B6 contained in bananas not only helps in the development of a fetus central nervous system but alleviates symptoms of morning sickness in expectant mothers as well.
Bananas also have calcium which is key in the development of bones and skeletal muscles, as well as accelerating neurotransmitter in the course of muscle tightening during fetus’ development.
Banana for Babies
Bananas are rich in potassium which is essential for muscle function and sustaining heart rhythm in babies. Iron and copper found in bananas aid in production and hemoglobin thus improving blood levels, while the calcium helps in the development of bones and skeletal muscle.
Banana for Diabetics
Bananas have a low glycemic index which means that once taken by diabetic patients, they encourage blood sugar response and are therefore great for managing post-meal blood sugar levels.
Banana for Digestion
Bananas contain a special kind of fiber known as pectins which aid in the making of healthy bowel movement and prevention of constipation.
They also contain fructooligosaccharides which help maintain a number of friendly bacteria in the lower intestines thus improving general digestive health.