One of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide is the banana. They include necessary nutrients that can help to protect one's health. Some of them are magnesium, potassium, manganese, fibre, protein and vitamins like B6 and C. Consuming bananas can lower blood pressure, lessen the chance of cancer, and even lower risk of heart attacks.
Banana is a rich source of potassium. In fact, one banana has 455 mg of potassium. Every heartbeat is critically dependent on potassium. It pushes the heart to pump blood through the body 100,000 times every day. Additionally, it facilitates the functioning of the neurons, muscles, helps kidneys with blood filtration and regulates the flow of nutrients in and out of cells which further helps in maintaining the body fluid levels.
What study suggests
According to new research, doctors may eventually be able to assist patients to prevent some heart disease by checking the potassium levels.
Researchers recently conducted a study using mice and discovered a link between low dietary potassium intake and the development of arterial calcification and aortic stiffness.
Heart disease in people is usually predicted by aortic stiffness, often known as "hardening of the arteries." Researchers showed that mice fed a reduced potassium diet had higher levels of aortic stiffness than mice fed a normal potassium diet.
Additional research revealed that it seems like low potassium promotes the expression of specific gene markers. These, in turn, encourage vascular smooth muscle cells to calcify by converting them into cells that resemble bone.
The researchers came to the conclusion that lower dietary potassium encourages higher aortic stiffness, at least in the mouse model. On the other hand, a diet high in potassium appears to reduce vascular calcification and aortic stiffness.
Bananas help prevent heart attacks
New research suggests that eating bananas regularly may help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Bananas and other foods high in potassium can prevent fatal blockages that can develop and prevent arteries from hardening and narrowing. One banana meets around 10% of daily potassium needs.
According to the study, those with the lowest dietary intake of potassium had a 50% higher risk of having a stroke than those with the highest intake.
It is widely known that excessive salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Bananas also cut the negative impacts salt might have on an individual’s body. The research suggests that the mineral helps maintain heart function, but women seem to benefit more than men.
Limiting salt consumption has been the emphasis of health advice, however it is challenging when processed foods are a large part of modern diets, well bananas have your side. Bananas are rich in potassium, and it helps increase sodium excretion in the urine.
Other benefits of bananas
Apart from reduced heart related risks, bananas offer a wide variety of benefits. Here are some other ways bananas in the right proportion can help elevate one’s health.
Preserves memory and boosts mood
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in bananas, may aid in memory preservation, improve one's capacity for learning and memory, and regulate mood.
Improves digestive health
Bananas are high in fibre and water, two nutrients that support regularity and digestive health. One medium banana supplies around 10% of a person's daily requirements for fibre.
According to a study, eating meals high in fibre can make persons with inflammatory bowel disease experience gas, stomach cramps, and bloating. However, the researchers found that eating bananas might help symptoms.
Help prevent diabetes
Eating bananas and other fruit that contain fibre can help lower blood sugar levels. Research also concluded that eating a high fibre diet can help prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, people with diabetes should consume bananas in moderation.
Manage blood pressure
The populace is urged to consume more potassium-rich foods while reducing their intake of sodium, or salt. Potassium can lower cardiovascular stress and assist in controlling blood pressure.
According to the nutritional data, a medium banana offers nearly 10% of the daily potassium requirements for an individual.
Reduced risk of cancer
Studies have suggested that bananas might help in preventing the growth of Leukaemia cells due to the presence of a protein known as lectin. It functions as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants like these help the body get rid of radicals. A buildup of too many free radicals may cause cell damage and eventually cancer.
The researchers hypothesised that this might also be because of the presence of vitamin C, which has antioxidant qualities.
