Some experts believe that eating a banana every day could boost your general health.

Everyone has undoubtedly heard the proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” A banana a day, though, might have the same effect. After all, your body needs all of the nutrients that are in this delicious treat and healthy, plant-based morning food. There are many simple methods to substitute this nutritious food in your diet, whether you choose to consume it on the move, add it to your cereal to make it more satisfying, or prepare a smoothie. And according to nutritionists, dietitians, and personal trainers who spoke with The List, banana fans have been known to benefit much from the delectable fruit in their efforts to maintain physical and mental health. Plus, in addition to being delicious and nutritious, bananas are so cheap — which is all the more reason to make them a staple in your kitchen.

Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about the specific health advantages of this tasty, golden fruit. When you find out exactly what happens to your body when you eat a banana every day, you’ll probably be startled.

 

Bananas are highly nutritious

Although bananas are tasty and practical, their nutritional content is what really sets them apart. They are an excellent source of manganese, potassium, vitamins C and B6, and other important elements.

A medium-sized, fresh banana (118 grams) provides the following nutrients:

  • Calories: 105

  • Carbs: 27 grams

  • Fiber: 3 grams

  • Fat: 0.3 grams

  • Protein: 1 gram

  • Vitamin C: 17% of the Daily Value (DV)

  • Vitamin B6: 22% of the DV

  • Potassium: 12% of the DV

  • Manganese: 16% of the DV

  • Magnesium: 8% of the DV

Additionally, bananas include a number of plant substances that may lessen stress, inflammation, and your chance of developing chronic diseases. At least five servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Bananas are a terrific method to increase your consumption of whole fruit and improve your general health.

 

What Really Happens To Your Body When You Eat A Banana Every Day

 

You could see some benefits to your mouth and gum health

Bananas are easy for your teeth to break apart because of their soft texture. It’s startling to learn that eating a banana every day may be beneficial for the health of your mouth and gums.

This is made possible by the fruit’s vitamin C content. Although oranges and lemons are the citrus fruits we typically associate with vitamin C, bananas can also provide a significant quantity of it per serving. Bananas have around 10 milligrams of the 75 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C that we should consume each day, according to WebMD.

Studies like one published in BDJ Open have found that diets higher in fruit intake have had a positive effect on periodontal (or gum) status, helping to prevent gum disease and inflammation. These findings go along with vitamin C’s ability to help us protect our immune systems and fight against free radicals. Vitamin C “appears to associate favorably with periodontal health,” according to the study. And considering that many of the study’s participants experienced benefits from eating more bananas, it would be worthwhile to have one as a regular snack to maintain good oral health.

Your bones could be protected from long-term conditions like osteoporosis

It can be simple to forget that our bones are constantly developing and changing. Your skeleton is completely fresh every ten years, as rheumatologist and director of the Center for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Dr. Chad Deal told the Cleveland Clinic. And the quality and composition of our food have an impact. So it’s encouraging to know that eating a banana every day could have a significant long-term impact on bone health. Bananas are a great source of potassium, which can be very helpful in preventing osteoporosis, a disorder that makes bones more porous and consequently more brittle, from harming our bones. Osteoporosis is a prevalent problem among the elderly, with almost half of women and up to a quarter of men over 50 breaking a bone.

Your lung health could improve

Although it isn’t often the first or most obvious association, our meals can have a significant impact on how well our lungs function. A daily banana can improve lung health, partly because of the fruit’s high potassium content.

According to dietitian and author of The Candida Diet Lisa Richards, potassium is “vital” for maintaining the health and proper operation of our lungs. The article went on to say, citing a research, “Eating enough potassium, especially as a child, helps to develop lung function and capacity.”

Bananas might also be advantageous for people with long-term lung issues. In a study that examined how nutrition affected people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it was discovered that those who had healthier diets, which included bananas, generally experienced fewer symptoms and had improved lung function. Although consuming bananas on their own may not make a significant effect, including them in a varied and nutritious diet as a wonderful source of potassium may.

Could help you lose some weight

Bananas are very beneficial for weight loss, despite the fact that it is generally accepted that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables rather than high-calorie processed meals is better for the waistline.

According to Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies, bananas’ composition can aid in weight loss and make you feel content for longer after eating, especially when they’re not overly mushy. “Rich in fiber, slightly green bananas contain a source of resistant starch which is longer absorbed, increasing fullness,” she said in a statement to The Healthy. According to Healthline, resistant starch not only provides less calories per gram than ordinary starch, but it can also help suppress appetite, assisting people in controlling overeating.

Furthermore, the high fiber content of bananas can aid with weight management. According to the Harvard Health Blog, a study that looked at the impact of increased dietary fiber on overall weight found that increasing your fiber intake can help you lose weight. As a result, eating a banana every day could be a helpful tool in your battle against obesity.

You’ll have loads more energy

Bananas are convenient as a snack not just because they are pre-wrapped, but also because they provide a significant and immediate boost of energy. Additionally, unlike some sources, they offer energy that lasts, making it a terrific option for anyone trying to get through the day, including sports.

According to Medical News Today, the mix of natural sugars and fiber in bananas makes them an especially superior energy source. Bananas’ natural sugars aid in giving the body an immediate energy boost, while their high fiber content prevents rapid sugar absorption. This indicates that it burns through the body more slowly than a food high in sugar but low in fiber, which results in immediate energy that wears off soon.

Bananas are so effective that a research discovered that they gave long-distance cyclists the same amount of energy before activity and during recovery as carbohydrate-based energy drinks specifically made for sports performance. So the next time you’re tying your shoes, save your money and opt to get a banana rather than an expensive commercial beverage because it will accomplish the same task.

How many bananas should you eat?

A healthy diet emphasizes balance and variety. Being a complicated system, your body needs a variety of nutrients to operate effectively. Eating a variety of foods from each food group is the greatest approach to be sure you’re receiving all your body requires. No set quantity of bananas determines whether they are inevitably excellent or terrible. Your particular calorie and nutrient requirements truly determine this.

Theoretically, you could eat as many bananas as you like provided you don’t consume too many calories, substitute them for other meals and nutrients your body requires, or pose any other risks to your health.

However, for the majority of healthy individuals, consuming one to two bananas a day would be regarded as a moderate consumption. Don’t forget to include a variety of other nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.