What Happens To Your Body When You Eat A Banana Every Day
By molly atherton
6 months ago
Peel back the mystery of the everyday banana, that humble hero lurking in your fruit bowl! Ever wondered what munching on this potassium-packed delight does to your body? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a deliciously enlightening journey through the marvelous transformations that unfold when you make the simple yet significant choice to chow down on a banana every day. From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, let’s unveil the incredible effects that this yellow wonder has...
1. Increased energy levels
Bananas really are a wonder fruit and they can really boost your energy levels. This is because bananas are a really great source of healthy carbohydrates which can help to provide a quick energy boost. They're excellent food to eat just before a workout because they give you that well-needed energy boost.Original content sourced from Femanin.com
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When you chomp on a banana, the carbohydrates in the fruit break down into sugars, swiftly fueling your body. The best part? It’s not just a fleeting burst! Thanks to the fiber content, this energy release is more steady and long-lasting, keeping you powered up throughout your exercise routine.2. Improved heart health
If you regularly eat bananas, like say, a banana each day, you are definitely going to reap the benefits. One of these benefits is improved heart health because bananas are so rich in potassium. And potassium can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
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Here's the deal: Potassium works its magic by helping your body balance the effects of sodium, which can often lead to high blood pressure. When you munch on a banana each day, you’re loading up on this potassium goodness, which helps your body flush out the excess sodium.3. Better digestion
As well as healthy carbohydrates giving you energy and potassium lowering your blood pressure, bananas are also high in fiber. And when you include fiber in your diet, you will notice that your digestion is much better. So you'll probably find that your bowel habits are much more regular and you suffer less from constipation.
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The insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and keeps things moving smoothly. Regularly including bananas in your diet can be a game-changer for your bathroom routine. You might notice more regular trips to the loo, and the bonus? It can significantly reduce the discomfort of constipation.4. Reduced inflammation
Bananas also reduce inflammation so including one a day in your diet is a great idea! This is because bananas contain certain magical compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including inflammation from arthritis.
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Incorporating a banana a day isn’t just a delightful snacking choice—it's like adding a superhero to your diet, fighting off inflammation and potentially providing relief for conditions like arthritis. It's a small but mighty addition that can make a big difference in keeping your body happy.5. Improved vision
If all of this is not enough, bananas are also super rich in vitamin A. And vitamin A is responsible for a number of health benefits including being incredibly important for maintaining and improving your eyesight! Vitamin A is also good for the immune system, development, and growth!
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Vitamin A also moonlights as a supporter of your immune system, helping your body fend off infections and illnesses. And for all the growth spurts happening in your body, especially in kids, vitamin A steps in to ensure healthy development and growth.6. Reduced risk of cancer
It is no lie that bananas are really good for your health, and it's true that they have also been found to contain compounds that have anti-cancer properties. So it is believed that eating a banana every day can help to reduce your risk of developing different types of cancer.
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These compounds work their magic by combating oxidative stress and fighting off the formation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause damage to cells, potentially leading to the development of various cancers. However, antioxidants found in bananas help neutralize these molecules.7. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
If you eat a banana each day, it has been found that you might be reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because bananas are a really good source of fiber, as mentioned earlier, and fiber can help to regulate your blood sugar levels and therefore reduce your risk of developing it.
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Here’s how it rolls: When you consume fiber, especially the soluble kind present in bananas, it acts as a superhero regulator for your blood sugar levels. It slows down the absorption of sugars, preventing rapid spikes, and helps maintain a more stable blood sugar level.8. Reduced stress
Bananas are not only amazing for your physical health but they're also absolutely wonderful for your mental health too. It's true, this magical fruit also contains compounds that have been found to help to promote relaxation and therefore improve the quality of your sleep. And when you've slept well, you are less likely to experience stress!
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Quality sleep also reduces stress levels, helping you tackle the day with a clearer, calmer mind. So, by including a banana in your daily routine, you’re not just indulging in a delicious snack—you're nurturing your mental well-being, promoting relaxation, and potentially paving the way for improved sleep and reduced stress.9. Better immunity
Bananas are also great for your immune system. This is because they're also high in vitamin C which is important for immune function. So if you start eating a banana each day, you might find that you're getting sick less regularly and you probably feel much brighter!
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10. Improved sleep
Bananas are such a versatile snack that they're not only amazing for energy levels but they're also the perfect go-to snack before bed. This is because they are rich in magnesium and potassium which are said to help to relax overstressed muscles and therefore improve your sleep quality.
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So, by snacking on a delicious banana before bedtime, you’re not just satisfying a late-night craving—you’re also giving your body a natural, sleep-inducing boost, helping to relax your muscles and prepare for a night of better, more restorative sleep11. Better muscle function
A banana a day can also improve your muscle function because of how rich they are in potassium. Potassium is essential for muscle contraction and also communication between the muscles and nerves. And eating a banana is also effective for reducing or eliminating muscle cramps.
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12. Reduced risk of stroke
The potassium found in bananas has been found in a 2017 study to significantly reduce the risk of you having a stroke. This is because low levels of potassium have been linked to developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and even strokes in people.
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It helps regulate blood pressure, promoting healthy cardiovascular function. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes, and by maintaining adequate potassium levels, you're essentially decreasing the risk of developing high blood pressure, subsequently lowering the risk of strokes.13. Stronger bones
Eating a banana every day is also beneficial for your bones and has been found to actually make them stronger and maintain how healthy they are. This is because bananas are an excellent source of calcium and magnesium which are extremely important for bone health.
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When you incorporate bananas into your daily routine, you’re not just indulging in a tasty snack—you’re also providing your body with essential nutrients for strong and healthy bones. These nutrients help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of bone-related issues like osteoporosis.14. Better skin
Eating bananas every day also works wonders for the health and appearance of your skin. This is because they contain certain compounds that can help to improve skin health, brighten your complexion, and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles as you age.
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Moreover, the silica in bananas assists in maintaining skin elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles as you age. When you consume bananas regularly, you're essentially feeding your skin from the inside out, nurturing its health and radiance.15. Improved brain function
Bananas are often referred to as brain food and there's a really good reason for this. You see, because of their richness in potassium and magnesium, bananas give the brain much-needed energy. This energy helps to focus the brain so it can concentrate and learn.
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And because of this, eating bananas regularly has also been found to reduce mental decline. Potassium supports the brain's electrical conductivity, essential for smooth communication between nerve cells, which is vital for cognitive function. Meanwhile, magnesium aids in the activation of enzymes that are crucial for brain function.16. Better kidney function
Potassium has been found to play a huge role in keeping our kidneys healthy and functioning. You see, this one study of people with early-stage chronic kidney disease linked potassium to a slower progression of kidney disease and even lower blood pressure in the participants.
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Moreover, potassium has been associated with lower blood pressure, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is crucial for kidney health. By managing blood pressure, potassium helps reduce the strain on the kidneys, potentially slowing down the progression of kidney disease.17. Improved fertility
This magical fruit can also help to boost both male and female fertility. This is because bananas contain vitamin B6 which has been found to regulate the body's hormones in both men and women and in women. A deficiency in vitamin B6, according to sources can lead to poor fertility!
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In men, vitamin B6 contributes to healthy sperm development, and a deficiency in this vitamin might lead to issues with sperm quality. For women, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and a lack of vitamin B6 can potentially impact fertility by affecting egg development.18. Better liver health
The vitamins in bananas are also awesome for keeping your liver healthy and functioning correctly. These vitamins include vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin A, and the high resistant start content of bananas is also said to be really beneficial for the health of your liver.
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Moreover, the resistant starch in bananas, which resists digestion and ferments in the large intestine, acts as a prebiotic. It feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut is linked to better liver function and overall health.19. Better mood
Bananas not only benefit your physical health, your stress levels, and your sleep quality, but they also go a long way in boosting your mood too. This is because bananas have an effect on an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps to produce serotonin. So eating a banana is like giving your brain a big hug!
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20. Reduced risk of osteoporosis
Eating bananas on a regular basis can also help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis or, at least slow down an existing condition. This is due to the high levels of calcium present in bananas that contributes to a person's bone strength and overall health.
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Potassium helps reduce the loss of calcium from the body, while magnesium is crucial for converting vitamin D into its active form for better calcium absorption. Additionally, bananas contain prebiotic fibers that aid in the absorption of minerals important for bone health.21. Reduced risk of asthma
A study published in Europe found that eating bananas might decrease wheezing in people who have an existing case of asthma, particularly in children. And another study found that if children ate one banana a day, they may have a 34% chance of developing asthma.
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Factors influencing asthma development and triggers are multifaceted and can vary widely among individuals. Some studies propose that a diet rich in fruits may have a protective effect against asthma symptoms, while others explore the potential risks or associations between fruits and asthma.22. Better respiratory health
New research has made a strong link between regularly eating bananas with better clinical outcomes of respiratory diseases and illnesses. This has led researchers to the conclusion that in a person includes bananas in their diet, they may notice an improvement in their breathing and lung function.
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Fruits, including bananas, offer essential nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and may indirectly support respiratory health. For example, vitamin C in bananas is known for its role in immune function and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting respiratory health.23. Better oral health
Bananas are absolutely jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber that has been found to be amazing for your teeth. The minerals in bananas, including potassium, manganese, and magnesium help to strengthen the teeth's enamel and are therefore very beneficial to the overall health of the mouth.
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Potassium can help neutralize acids in the body, potentially benefiting the teeth by reducing enamel erosion. Manganese supports the formation of connective tissues, including those in the mouth, while magnesium aids in bone formation, which can indirectly influence overall oral health.24. Reduced risk of anemia
Research has found that bananas are quite high in iron, and their iron content is enough to benefit people who have been diagnosed with or suspect they have iron-deficiency anemia. The advice is for those with anemia to eat 2 bananas a day and you may be able to improve this condition.
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Individuals diagnosed with anemia should seek guidance from healthcare professionals for a comprehensive plan that may include dietary adjustments, iron supplements, or other treatments. Eating a varied diet is crucial for managing anemia effectively.25. Better cholesterol levels
Bananas are an amazing source of soluble fiber which is essential for an overall healthy body, including the digestive system and immune systems. This, along with the potassium content in bananas can reduce your blood pressure and levels of cholesterol.
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Moreover, the combination of soluble fiber and potassium in bananas can contribute to heart health. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and relaxing blood vessel walls. Meanwhile, soluble fiber has been linked to reduced levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.26. Luscious locks
The potassium content in bananas, along with a compound called silica make them extremely beneficial for your hair. Some people make a hair mask out of bananas so their hair can reap the benefits but this is so messy that you are better off eating them as they improve blood circulation.
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Improved blood circulation, thanks to potassium, can potentially enhance nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth and scalp health. Silica, present in bananas, is known for its role in maintaining hair strength and flexibility.27. Reduced risk of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration affects and reduces the middle part of your vision. It is a really common condition that affects adults over 50. But the good news is, if you're diagnosed, you can slow down the progression of the condition with lots of vitamin C, so bananas are the perfect food to include in your diet.
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Bananas, while contributing to overall nutrition, might be a part of a more comprehensive diet designed to support eye health. Incorporating a colorful array of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants can help in the potential management and support of eye health!28. Reduced risk of kidney stones
Eating a banana every day can also reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. This is because of their high potassium content which has been found to prevent kidney stones from forming. Eating bananas alongside other potassium-rich foods like papaya, orange juice, and cantaloupe can prevent this.
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Kidney stones are often related to mineral imbalances and certain dietary factors. And therefore, the mineral potassium, which is found abundantly in bananas as well as other fruits, plays a significant role in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.29. Reduced risk of hypertension
We have found that the high potassium content found in bananas can help to lower your blood pressure. This magic mineral helps to balance the sodium levels in your body and if you eat more potassium, your body will get rid of more sodium and therefore lower your blood pressure.
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30. Better wound healing
Bananas also promote better wound healing due to their beneficial effects on the immune system when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. But they're so versatile that they're not only great to eat. In fact, their peels are also used to actually dress wounds in some developing countries.
