Banana: Health Benefits, Properties, and Contraindications

Berries

Bananas are a popular food with a pleasant aroma and texture. They quickly satisfy hunger, as they are nutritious and very healthy. Nutritionists say it's difficult to find another food with such a harmonious and balanced nutritional composition. The fruit is included in many diets due to its nutritional value and relatively low calorie content. 100 grams contain approximately 90 calories.

These exotic fruits contain a large number of beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the entire body. Their taste makes them a favorite among both adults and children. Athletes often consume bananas, as they help accelerate muscle gain. However, despite their popularity and benefits, not everyone is aware of the harmful effects of bananas, which, although rare, can have on the body if consumed improperly.

General characteristics of banana

Bananas grow primarily in the subtropics and tropics. However, they are also cultivated in Central and South America. This perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the Banana family, the Monocotyledonous class, and the Angiospermum phylum.

Fruits aren't only yellow. They can be black or red. Golden bananas grow in the Seychelles. The taste and appearance of these delicacies depend on the variety.

Is it a fruit, a berry or a herb?

Few people know that a banana isn't a fruit. The fact is, the term "fruit" doesn't exist in botany. It's a common term used to describe large, sweet fruits. Fruits are plant organs that help with reproduction. Berries are a type of fruit. They are skinned, have juicy flesh, and contain seeds inside.

What people usually think of as the trunk of a banana tree is actually the exposed root system. This trunk can reach 10 meters in height and 40 cm in diameter. The plant is distinguished by massive, oval-shaped leaves, which can exceed 1 meter in width and 3 meters in length.

Compound

This delicacy is considered a nutritious and energy-rich product. About a quarter of the pulp is sugars and carbohydrates, and a third is dry matter. The pulp consists of starch, proteins, pectins, fiber, and essential oils, which impart the berry's delicate aroma.

Since the fruit contains starch, it's best to eat it ripe. Unripe berries slow down digestion and cause a feeling of heaviness.

The fruits are also rich in substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body:

vitamins (A, B, E, K, C);
manganese;
phosphorus;
copper;
zinc;
iron.

Thanks to such a rich composition, the product is used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

The health benefits of bananas

There are numerous conditions for which this exotic berry is beneficial, thanks to its essential nutrients. First and foremost, the fruit is an excellent antidepressant. When consumed, it increases the release of serotonin, which helps relieve depression and combat stress.

The fruits quickly curb hunger, making them often used in dietary nutrition plans.

Men eat bananas to improve potency. Bananas improve sperm quality and produce more active sperm. Experts believe the fruit is a natural aphrodisiac.

General beneficial properties

Exotic berries improve the functioning of the entire body. The benefits include:

eliminating muscle pain and preventing the occurrence of cramps;
relaxation after heavy intellectual activity;
protecting the gastric mucosa from ulcer development, reducing acidity levels;
normalization of bowel function;
reducing high blood pressure;
strengthening bone tissue;
normalization of visual acuity;
preventing the development of oncological pathologies;
eliminating insomnia.

The product is also used in cosmetology. Regular use improves skin condition. Banana pulp is used to make various masks.

Banana flower tincture is used in folk medicine to treat bronchitis. Banana juice has calming and anticonvulsant properties. Its potassium content improves vascular health and overall cardiovascular function.

Peel — Poultices made from the peels or stems accelerate the healing of abscesses and burns. The fruits are used to neutralize inflammation in the mouth.

Eating berries helps reduce body temperature during fever and relieve constipation. Scientists have conducted several studies and concluded that bananas can help overcome nicotine addiction.

Dried bananas are also popular. They offer numerous health benefits, but it's important to keep in mind that they're higher in calories, so don't overindulge.

The peel is used to make decoctions and infusions. In its raw form, it is used to whiten teeth and improve the condition of facial skin.

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Use for children

An undeniable advantage of this exotic fruit is its good tolerability. It rarely causes allergic reactions. Therefore, bananas are included in children's diets during the first year of life. Potassium, calcium, iron, vitamins, and amino acids help the baby develop properly.

The product has a positive effect on the nervous system. With daily use, children become less aggressive and capricious. It has also been noted that this exotic berry helps improve schoolchildren's attention span. They memorize new information more quickly and easily and cope with tasks. As a result, children are better able to cope with physical and intellectual stress.

Banana for children — Bananas saturate the body and give it the necessary amount of energy.

Berries also remove excess fluid from the body and support proper cardiovascular function. Beta-carotene improves vision.

For colds, mix the pulp into a paste and add a small amount of boiled water. To improve mucus removal, take a teaspoon throughout the day.

What are the benefits of bananas for women?

The positive effect of this exotic product on the female body cannot go unnoticed.

Good to know!

It promotes cleansing of the body at the cellular level, as it removes toxins and prevents premature aging of the skin.

Regular use helps women manage PMS symptoms. Bananas not only have a calming effect but also relieve abdominal pain. They also help prevent migraines.

For skin and hair

Women often resort to banana masks. Regular use has been shown to smooth wrinkles, improve skin tone, and eliminate signs of aging and dryness.

Acne is a major problem for women. A ripe banana peel can help combat it. Rub the soft part of the peel over your face for 10 minutes. It's best to do this in the evening and leave it on overnight.

Also, under the influence of this exotic product, the condition of the hair improves:

Brittle hair gains strength.
Damaged hair is restored.
Their growth will accelerate.

During menopause

Menopause is accompanied by hormonal changes. During this period, women should pay special attention to their diet. Eating the right foods will help them cope with the specific symptoms of menopause. It's important to include foods rich in minerals and vitamins in your diet. Bananas are one such food. They help flush out toxins, provide the body with nutrients, and improve digestion.

The fruits also help improve mood, which is very important during sudden bouts of depression or aggression that can occur with hormonal imbalances.

For weight loss

Women devote a great deal of time and effort to their appearance. To get into shape, it's important not only to exercise but also to adjust your diet. However, you can eat no more than three medium-sized bananas per day.

The potassium found in tropical berries removes sodium salts, which helps eliminate excess fluid and reduce swelling. They also flush waste and toxins from the body. Thus, the fruits help with weight loss.

This highly nutritious food helps satisfy hunger and prevents overeating. Experts recommend banana-based fasting days once or twice a month.

To increase libido

Tropical fruits have a positive effect not only on women's health and beauty. Regular consumption significantly boosts libido. They energize the body and stimulate the production of endorphins, the happiness hormone. As a result, sexual desire is heightened. This effect is achieved regardless of whether the fruit is consumed raw or dried.

For heavy menstruation

Menstruation often brings with it a range of unpleasant sensations. Many women experience severe lower abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. This condition also negatively impacts their mood.

To alleviate general discomfort, experts recommend including bananas in your daily diet. They stimulate progesterone production, which reduces menstrual bleeding. You can mix a little cottage cheese with banana pulp. This dish can replace a meal.

During pregnancy

A mother-to-be's diet should be filled with healthy foods, as she cares not only for her own health but also for the baby's. Benefits of fruits during pregnancy:

normalization of gastrointestinal tract function;
elimination of vomiting;
relief of symptoms of toxicosis;
stabilization of the nervous system;
elimination of swelling.

During breastfeeding

Breastfeeding comes with a number of restrictions, as a nursing mother must avoid certain foods. However, bananas are among those that can and should be consumed during this period. They provide an additional source of nutrients and help relieve constipation.

Note!

The product should be introduced carefully and gradually. To avoid problems, it's best to start when your baby is one month old.

At first, the mother should eat just a small piece of banana. If the child doesn't react negatively, the amount is gradually increased.

Under the influence of fruits, mother's milk becomes more saturated and is produced in greater quantities.

The main contraindications and harm of bananas

Although bananas have a positive effect on the body, there are certain conditions that require avoiding their consumption. The main contraindications include:

Diabetes. This product contains a large amount of sugar, which may increase blood sugar levels.
Thrombophlebitis. When substances contained in bananas penetrate the body, they cause blood thickening.
Increased susceptibility to berries.
Irritable bowel syndrome.

Overweight people should also exercise caution when consuming this product. No more than one serving per day is recommended.

Unripe fruits contain more starch than ripe ones. This substance can cause increased gas, bloating, and digestive upset.

Important!

It's not recommended to give tropical treats to children under one year of age. Experts recommend introducing them at 12 months.

This will help avoid negative reactions in the child's digestive system. There is also a risk of allergic reactions.

Particular care should be taken when storing and transporting bananas. They don't grow in our country, and to ensure their shelf life, they are treated with various chemicals that have a negative impact on health. Therefore, bananas should be washed thoroughly before consumption.

In the morning on an empty stomach

The question of whether to eat this delicacy in the morning on an empty stomach is a source of debate among experts. Some claim that berries promote proper digestive function, while others believe they actually slow down digestion and lead to a feeling of heaviness. The best time to eat berries is lunch or dinner. It's important to eat only ripe fruit.

People with heart failure or angina should avoid eating bananas on an empty stomach, as this increases the risk of calcium and magnesium imbalance in the blood.

Before bed

Experts recommend avoiding this treat at night. This is primarily due to its nutritional value, which requires time to digest. Eating a banana and then going straight to bed is a recipe for a restless night.

They also contain potassium, which has diuretic properties and can trigger anxiety. To avoid these side effects and ensure a good night's sleep, it's best to eat bananas a few hours before bed.

Proper use of bananas for gastritis

It's well known that bananas are quite nutritious. Therefore, the question often arises as to whether or not they can be consumed with gastritis. Gastroenterologists recommend consuming them in moderation. While this delicacy doesn't cause significant harm, it can trigger unpleasant symptoms.

In moderate quantities, the product helps to:

acceleration of metabolism;
creating an environment in the stomach that is unfavorable for harmful microorganisms;
stress reduction.

Use also depends on the acidity level. If the condition is accompanied by increased acidity, regular consumption normalizes its levels and helps relieve heartburn.

If the acidity level is low, the amount of berries should be kept to a minimum.

Overripe banana — It's important to eat only slightly overripe bananas (darkened and soft). If fresh fruit causes bloating, try dried ones.

When diagnosing atrophic gastritis, doctors often recommend adding tropical fruits to the diet. These fruits contain magnesium, which has a positive effect on the stomach lining and promotes its restoration.

Use of banana for medicinal purposes

Banana pulp and peel are often used for medicinal purposes. There are many recipes based on them in folk medicine. The product's rich chemical composition allows it to be used for the prevention and treatment of various conditions:

Banana jelly. Used to loosen mucus and ease breathing during colds. To make it, take one banana, a little sugar, and boiling water. Grind and mix. Once the sugar has dissolved, strain the jelly. Drink it warm 2-3 times a day.
Banana jelly
Excess weight. To achieve the desired effect, mash one fruit and mix it with 1 cup of kefir. The result is a filling and delicious yogurt.
To boost your immune system, try an energy shake made with honey, banana, carrot, lemon, and orange juice. Blend everything together and drink before meals.

To avoid harming the body, tropical fruits should be consumed in limited quantities.

With milk

There's a common misconception that combining fruit and milk can cause bloating. However, this reaction occurs in cases of intestinal or gastric dysfunction. With proper gastrointestinal function, the mixture is well tolerated and has a positive effect.

It's best to perform these procedures 1-2 times a week. It's important to use skim milk.

For vision

This tropical delicacy contains vitamin A, which has a positive effect on visual acuity. The fruit also helps maintain and protect eye pressure. Regular consumption improves night vision.

To normalize blood pressure

This exotic product will help normalize blood pressure. Potassium, a sodium antagonist, is found in fairly large quantities in berries.

Interesting!

Daily consumption stabilizes water-salt balance, eliminates excess fluid, and lowers blood pressure. It's best to eat ripe, raw berries.

External use

Banana peel and pulp are used in cosmetology to make rejuvenating and toning masks. Beneficial properties:

the process of epidermis restoration is accelerated;
Premature aging of cells is prevented;
the epidermis is saturated with the required amount of liquid.

The peel, like the pulp, contains a lot of potassium, iron, iodine, magnesium and other useful substances.

Banana for the face — According to dermatologists, the positive effect can be enhanced by using this tropical delicacy in combination.

Masks for dry skin are made from bananas, egg yolks, olive oil, and oatmeal. For oily skin, a mask made from banana pulp, honey, and lemon juice is best. This treatment can be repeated 2-3 times a week.

Answers to frequently asked questions

What vitamins are found in bananas?

Tropical berries contain B vitamins, beta-carotene, A, E, K, PP, C, and choline.

Can you eat bananas if you have diabetes?

If you have diabetes, it's important to ensure proper heart function. To prevent the development of heart failure, experts recommend including berries in your daily diet. To avoid harming your body, consume them in moderation.

Can you be allergic to bananas?

An allergic reaction can only occur with excessive consumption or individual intolerance to the fruit.

At what age can children be given bananas?

Doctors recommend introducing this product into the diet of babies over 12 months. Before one year, a child's digestive system isn't fully functional, so heavy foods can cause problems.

How do bananas ripen?

At home, bananas are best ripened by leaving them in a paper bag, protected from direct sunlight, at a temperature of approximately 18-20°C. Ripening takes approximately 2-3 days.

Bananas are packed with vital vitamins and minerals. When consumed correctly, they promote healthy body function. However, excessive consumption can negatively impact well-being.