The unexpected health benefits of bananas

There is no doubt that bananas are much more than just a snack or an ingredient for smoothies. Appreciated for its delicious taste and practicality, the banana is in fact a real treasure for health, offering an impressive range of nutrients and of medicinal virtues. Despite its modest appearance, it deserves a special place in our diet. Here's why.

The banana and its instant energy boost

Need a quick boost? The banana is here to save us. Thanks to that high in natural carbohydrates, particularly glucose, fructose and sucrose, it offers an immediate energy boost. It's the perfect choice for a pre- or post-workout snack, or even for an energy break at work! Besides, we have all seen tennis players enjoying a banana during a little pose during a match. Its ability to provide constant energy would thus be comparable to that of energy drinks, according to a study by Appalachian State University. And don’t panic for those who have diabetes! Bananas have a low glycemic index. We can therefore eat bananas without causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.

Banana, source of essential nutrients

Well, bananas are full of essential nutrients, it’s a fact. It is particularly rich in potassium, a mineral crucial for heart health and proper muscle function. With nearly 411 mg per 100g, it turns out to be one of the fruits richest in potassium. By regularly including bananas in our diet, we promote the water balance of our body and the regulation of our blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases or heart disease.high blood pressure. Good news, right? And that's not all ! Banana is an important source of vitamin C, a nutrient that boosts the immune system and fights infections when consumed regularly. Take for example a medium-sized banana weighing around 150 g: we realize that it provides around 13.2 mg of vitamin C, which is equivalent to around 15% of the daily requirements recommended by the National Health Security Agency diet, environment and work (between 90mg and 110mg for adults per day). And we don't forget that vitamin C plays a crucial role in many bodily processes. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it promotes healthy skin, bones, gums and teeth. In addition, it accelerates the healing of wounds and improves the absorption of iron from plants.

Cancers: eat bananas for prevention

We know that fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E, which protect the body's cells against free radical damage. And the banana is no exception! She too is rich in antioxidants and offers valuable protection to the body's cells. Regularly integrating bananas into your diet offers lasting defense against free radicals, unstable chemical molecules at the origin of various pathologies, notably cancer. In any case, this is what the SUVIMAX study reveals, carried out on around 13,000 people over almost eight years. It also provides evidence on the impact of antioxidant vitamins and minerals on health and reduced risk of cancer. So, if we want to eat bananas, we go for it!

If we need a natural pick-me-up to brighten up our day, bananas are there to lift our spirits! But how does it work ? Well, it's thanks to little wonders like vitamin B6 and the magnesium. Magnesium, first of all, is a bit like a battery for our body. It gives us energy and promotes the transmission of nerve impulses. It also plays an important role in our emotional and mental balance. As for vitamin B6, it does an incredible job of stimulating the production of neurotransmitters, which are kind of like the messengers that influence our mood. We think of dopamine and serotonin, our happy hormones! And the good news is that bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes serotonin production. So, the next time we're feeling a little sluggish, we bite into a banana for a little boost.

Banana relieves digestive disorders

If we have problems with our digestive system, bananas can be our ally. It is in fact a good source of dietary fiber: a 100 g portion contains almost 2.6 g of fiber, a little more than an apple (2.4 g). And as attested by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montreal, this high content of soluble fiber helps to regulate intestinal transit and to prevent constipation. Plus, its soft texture and ease of digestion make it a gentle choice for sensitive stomachs. What's better than healthy digestion?

Does eating banana help you lose weight?

If we seek to control your weight in a healthy way, we call on bananas. Their richness in dietary fiber helps us feel fuller for longer, reducing cravings and snacking between meals. Plus, they're naturally sweet, which can satisfy our sweet tooth without compromising our health goals!