One medium banana provides approximately 10% of a person’s fiber needs for a day.īananas are also part of an approach known as the BRAT diet, which some doctors recommend for treating diarrhea. Digestive healthīananas contain water and fiber, both of which promote regularity and encourage digestive health. The author of a 2018 review concluded that eating a high fiber diet could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and may lower blood sugar in those who already have the disease. They note that eating fiber can help lower blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommend eating bananas and other fruit as they contain fiber. Those who consumed more fiber also had lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. All of these support heart health.Ī 2017 review found that people who follow a high fiber diet have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those on a low fiber diet. Heart healthīananas contain fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. The study authors suggested that this could be due to the vitamin C content, as this, too, has antioxidant properties. In 2004, researchers noted that children who consumed bananas, orange juice, or both appeared to have a lower risk of developing leukemia. If too many free radicals build up, cell damage can occur, potentially leading to cancer. Antioxidants help the body remove molecules known as free radicals.

Laboratory investigations have suggested that lectin, a protein that occurs in bananas, may help prevent leukemia cells from growing. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. One reason for this could be the antioxidant and potassium content of bananas. AsthmaĪ 2007 study suggested that eating bananas might help prevent wheezing in children with asthma. Potassium can help manage blood pressure and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.Ī medium banana provides almost 9% of a person’s daily potassium needs, according to the nutritional information from the above sources. The American Heart Association (AHA) encourage people to lower their intake of salt, or sodium, and increase their consumption of foods that contain potassium. These are for adults, but they are approximate, as the values vary according to a person’s age and sex.

The nutrition information comes from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FoodData Central database.ĭaily requirements are from the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The following sections explain some of the possible health benefits of bananas. Share on Pinterest Bananas are high in potassium and contain good levels of protein and dietary fiber.

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