Benefits of Bananas for Health

Bananas are a common name given to giant long-leafed giant plants from the Musaceae tribe. Some species (Musa acuminata, M. Balbisiana, and M. ×paradisiaca) produce consumption fruits which are called the same. This fruit is arranged in bunches with groups arranged in a line called a comb. Almost all bananas have yellow skin when ripe, although there are some that are orange, red, green, purple, or even almost black. Banana as a food is a source of energy (carbohydrates) and minerals, especially potassium.

The main diversity center for bananas is located in the Malesia region (Southeast Asia, Papua, and tropical Australia). A center for minor diversity is also found in tropical Africa. This plant likes a hot and humid tropical climate, especially in the lowlands. In areas with even rain throughout the year, banana production can take place without knowing the season. Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, Central American countries, and Brazil are known as the main exporters of bananas. People in African and American countries are very high in eating bananas every year.

It tastes delicious and the affordable price makes bananas a favorite of many people. Not just the taste of bananas has a myriad of benefits for health.

1. Good for digestion

If you experience food poisoning, then bananas are the right choice to calm your stomach problems. The soft banana texture makes this food easily pass through the digestive tract. Its potassium content also helps replace the electrolytes lost from your body. Not only that the fiber content in this fruit also helps increase fecal density and relieve diarrhea.

One more benefit of bananas for digestion is to alleviate the problem of morning sickness in pregnant women. Because the fruit is rich in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is recommended for consumption during pregnancy to reduce the problem of nausea and vomiting.

2. Lower blood pressure

In addition to helping to replace lost electrolytes from the body, the content of potassium in bananas can help lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends people with hypertension to consume high-potassium foods to help lower blood pressure. This is because potassium plays a role in lowering blood pressure by reducing sodium levels in the body.

However, the benefits of this one banana will not work effectively if you do not reduce foods that contain lots of salt and fat. So besides eating this fruit, you are also required to apply a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients.

3. Contains high fiber

The need for fiber in men under the age of 50 is around 38 grams per day and 25 grams per day for women. Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not fulfill this fiber requirement at all. In fact, fiber is very important to maintain the health of the digestive tract and maintain bowel movements. In addition, fiber is also important for maintaining cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar levels. Fiber can also help you lose weight because it keeps you full longer. In fact, this fruit contains high fiber. Two medium-sized bananas containing 6 grams of fiber roughly account for 23 percent of your daily needs.

4. Relieves heartburn and prevents stomach ulcers

People who have ulcers can get the benefits of bananas for their digestive health if the fruit is routinely used as a snack. The sweet yellow banana is a natural antacid and functions to neutralize stomach acid. Bananas also contain flavonoid antioxidants called leucocyanidin, which helps increase mucous membranes in the stomach so as to prevent the occurrence of gastric ulcers.

5. Good for skin

Do not throw bananas that are too ripe if you want to get the benefits of bananas for skin health. Yes, bananas that have maturity can be used as face masks. This fruit contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important in the formation of collagen and helps prevent damage from UV light. This fruit is also known to prevent acne, absorb oil, and moisturize dry skin.

How to make a face mask from the fruit is quite easy.

1.  Choose fruit that is ripe or soft.
2.  Mash until it becomes a smooth paste mixture (To add moisture, you can add one teaspoon of honey or Greek plain yogurt).
3. Apply a banana mask to the skin of the face that is clean and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
4. After that, rinse with water until clean.