Bananas: useful properties, contraindications, calories

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 00:50

Banana is a sweet, fragrant, tasty fruit that is loved not only by children, but also by adults. It can become a complete snack between main meals, replacing a sandwich or a sweet bun. But not all people are aware of the harmful and beneficial properties of bananas. Is it possible to harm yourself if you regularly eat this fruit, or, conversely, you can only expect benefits from it?

Chemical composition

Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, they contain inulin, as well as dietary fiber necessary for the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Like any other product, this fruit consists of three components - these are proteins, fats and carbohydrates, or BJU. Take, for example, a large banana, weighing 135-140 g. It will consist of 3% proteins, 1% fat and 10% carbohydrates. Let us consider in more detail the composition that determines the beneficial properties and contraindications of bananas.

VitaminA	Supports the functioning of the visual system Positive effect on the reproductive system Maintains normal skin condition
Vitamin B1	Improves metabolism in brain tissues Participates in supplying nerve cells with nutrients Helps preserve memory
Vitamin B2	Keep skin youthful Strengthens the nail plate and hair follicles
Vitamin B6	Prevents the development of neurological diseases Prevents the development of skin diseases Stimulates the immune system
Vitamin B9	Participates in cell development Important for heart he alth Prevents fetal malformations during pregnancy
Vitamin C	Possesses antioxidant properties Protects cells Strengthens immunity Participates in collagen synthesis
Vitamin E	Possesses antioxidant properties Protects cells Positive effect on the reproductive system
Vitamin PP	Participates in the formation of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the blood Stimulates metabolic processes Reducesblood cholesterol levels Removes toxins from the body
Magnesium	Improves myocardial blood supply Stimulates the thyroid gland Improves digestion Positive effect on the reproductive system
Sodium	Participates in the regulation of water-s alt balance Normalizes blood pressure Participates in the process of digestion
Phosphorus	Maintains acid-base balance Promotes normal muscle function Positively affects the activity of the heart and kidneys
Potassium	Reduces blood pressure Reduces the effects of allergens Positively affects the condition of the skin Increases physical endurance
Iron	Supports the proper functioning of the immune system Positive effect on blood formation Participates in the formation of hemoglobin Normalizes the thyroid gland
Zinc	Supports the functioning of the visual system Promotes mental alertness Participates in the activity of endocrine glands
Selenium	Regulates the activity of thyroid hormones Protects cells fromfree radicals
Manganese	Takes part in the formation of bone and cartilage tissue Helps maintain hormonal levels Participates in the process of hematopoiesis Regulates blood sugar Actively participates in the functioning of the nervous system
Fluorine	Prevents caries Stimulates bone growth
5-hydroxytryptophan	Amino acid converted into serotonin in the human body
Serotonin	Neurotransmitter, the so-called "hormone of happiness"
Coarse fibers	Fiber, a non-digestible fiber that eases bowel movements
Pectin	Polysaccharide that contributes to the maintenance of normal intestinal microflora by absorbing harmful substances
Inulin	Polysaccharide that promotes the growth of beneficial microflora that absorbs pathogens, cleansing the intestines
Oligosaccharides	Complex carbohydrates
Fruit acids	Have a positive effect on the condition of the skin

Useful properties of bananas

In the description abovebriefly talk about the benefits of a substance in the composition of the fruit. Bananas can be safely called a natural antioxidant, which helps protect cells and cleanse the body from the negative effects of free radicals, toxins and other harmful elements. Substances in the composition of the fruit contribute to the maintenance of the normal functioning of the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, as well as the blood-forming organs and the gastrointestinal tract. They help to eliminate bad cholesterol, support the visual system, slow down the aging process, fight stress and body fat. Last but not least, the antioxidant properties of the product prevent the formation of cancer cells.

In short, the composition of the banana has a beneficial effect on the entire body, including the skin. It is an ideal product for restoring energy after hard work and the body as a whole with nervous overstrain.

Possible harm

Those who have studied the topic of proper nutrition have probably come across information that this fruit is not the best option for a snack during a diet. However, the beneficial properties of bananas allow you to make a small correction. Firstly, it does not have such a high calorie content that you should abandon the fruit for the entire diet. Secondly, a banana contains more complex (slow) carbohydrates than fast ones, and therefore sugars will not turn into body fat, but will be converted into energy. Thirdly, the fruit is very nutritious, it is one of the best options to give the body nutrients during a snack between breakfast andlunch. Therefore, a banana is not only possible, but also necessary to eat at least once a day.

As they say, the main thing is to stop in time. That is, if you eat 6 bananas a day, it is quite clear that benefits in this case should not be expected. Also, to avoid harm, you should not buy unripe fruits, as they contribute to gas formation.

Contraindications and restrictions for use

It is important to know not only about the beneficial properties of a banana, but also about when a fruit can do harm. Firstly, do not forget that even a he althy person who does not have any he alth problems, a banana can be harmful if consumed excessively, which will result in problems in the gastrointestinal tract and a general deterioration in physical condition. Secondly, the fruit should be used with caution by people suffering from obesity and diabetes. In this case, the use is severely limited, it is even advisable to discuss this with your doctor. Thirdly, in order to prevent the development of an unwanted allergic reaction, it is not recommended to give a banana to a child under 3 years old. By the way, anyone allergic to latex should not consume this fruit.

Other, no less important than useful properties, banana contraindications apply to those people who have abnormalities in the hematopoietic system. So, the fruit can harm with a tendency to thrombosis and increased blood clotting. The reason for this is the ability of a banana to remove excess fluid from the body, which makes the blood even thicker. However, here it is worth mentioning the action of inulin, which promotes liquefaction. So it's better to talk to a doctor or eat bananas only occasionally.

Some numbers: calorie content and glycemic index of the product. Impact on the body of diabetics and those on a diet

Banana should be consumed in very limited quantities by people with diabetes. Moreover, it is better to eat it only in the morning, when the body converts all incoming carbohydrates into energy. The glycemic index of the product is 18 units, which is considered acceptable. However, doctors do not advise relying on the beneficial properties of a banana for the human body, since harm in this case is more likely than good. Still, this fruit contains a large amount of sugar. Also, a banana is difficult to digest, and any heavy food can be, without exaggeration, the last one for a diabetic. After all, the body spends a lot of energy on digesting food.

Banana is a relatively low-calorie food, but it can be enough for one snack. That is, with a strict diet, in addition to this fruit, you should not eat anything else at one meal.

Calorie content depends on the size of the banana. So, if its length is at least 15 cm, then the figure will be 72 kcal, 18-20 cm - 105 kcal, 20-22.5 cm - 121 kcal, and 23 cm or more - 135 kcal. It follows from this that one banana a day for those who are on a diet will not harm at all, but, on the contrary, will be useful.

Special benefits of bananas for women

Particularly noteworthy is the effect of fruit on the body of the beautiful half of humanity. After studying its composition, the beneficial properties of a banana for women become quite obvious. All substances have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, maintain normal hormonal levels, help get rid of edema, have a positive effect on the nervous system, and so on.

Fruit is very useful in the most critical periods of a woman's life - pregnancy and lactation. In addition to a positive effect on the nervous system and hormonal levels, a banana has a positive effect on the intrauterine development of the fetus, due to the content of folic acid. Vitamin B6 helps to get rid of heartburn and softens the course of toxicosis, and tocopherol is involved in the synthesis of hormones in the body of the expectant mother. Vitamin E stimulates the production of prolactin, which is important for sufficient lactation.

The importance of bananas in men's lives

Strong half of humanity often disappears in training. Therefore, the beneficial properties of a banana for men are expressed in the ability to quickly restore muscle tissue after heavy loads. The thing is that after training it is important to restore the loss of glycogen in time. If this is not done, then catabolism will occur - the destruction of muscle cells. Well, a banana does an excellent job of this task, as it supplies the body with enough sugars.

And, of course, do not forget about all the other positive qualities of the fruit that were described above. The beneficial properties of a banana for a man's body (as well as for a woman) are immunostimulating,antioxidant, calming effect, as well as a positive effect on the reproductive and cardiovascular systems, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

How is a banana good for kids?

If the baby does not have allergies and problems with the tummy, then the most positive qualities can be expected from the fruit. Substances in the banana ensure the normal development of the bone system and muscle tissue, stimulate he althy cell growth, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system and the body as a whole, improve brain function and concentration, and reduce mental and physical fatigue. But it is important to remember that the beneficial properties of bananas for a child's body are possible only with adequate (not excessive) use.

Is banana skin he althy?

There is a claim that the peel of this fruit is no less useful than the pulp. So it really is. The skin contains the highest amount of coarse fiber, so it is ideal for gentle and natural bowel cleansing. In addition, the peel contains the same beneficial substances as the pulp.

How can you eat a banana skin?

Having learned about the beneficial properties of the banana skin, you think about the logical question - how to use the peel? After all, eating it raw is at least an unpleasant occupation. There are several recipes that will make the absorption of the skins a pleasant process and, of course, help to prepare a very tasty, he althy dish. For example, it can be extinguished. Initiallythe peel is well washed from the outside, it is even advisable to use a stiff brush to get rid of the wax. Next, the skin needs to be cut into pieces and fried a little in a pan. In this case, oil should not be added. Then the peel is stewed in chicken or vegetable broth for 10-15 minutes until the tart taste disappears. You can add garlic, mint, cilantro, aromatic herbs and seasonings. The finished dish goes well with meat and fish. And if you add sugar syrup instead of broth and cook the peel until thick, you get delicious candied fruits.

What can you make with a banana?

Practically always people eat this fruit raw. And few people know that the beneficial properties of a banana for a person can be assessed by preparing it in some other way. From the sweet fruit you get a delicious puree that can be combined with other crushed fruits and berries. Milkshakes are prepared from it, the pulp is added to natural homemade yogurt, cheesecakes and other desserts. Bananas are baked to be served later along with fried fish or meat, various curry dishes. They go great with sour fruits and are often on the ingredient list for light salads. Bananas can even be used as a topping for pastries, as an addition to ice cream, and as one of the ingredients for cake cream. In general, to experience the beneficial properties of a banana for the human body, it is not necessary to eat it only raw.