Banana Benefits and 4 Reasons Why You Should Eat Them

I will tell you about the benefits of bananas and the four reasons why you should eat them. Bananas are said to be the most imported fruit in Korea. Bananas, which are so easy to eat these days, are said to have really good benefits. So, I'm going to tell you about the best time to eat bananas and the four reasons why you should eat them.

When to Eat Bananas

These days, bananas are a really convenient fruit. The best time to eat bananas varies depending on the purpose for which you are eating them. The bananas we can see are: firstly, bananas with a greenish tinge; secondly, yellow bananas; and thirdly, bananas with freckles.

1. Green Bananas

First, green bananas are essential for those on a diet. Firm, green bananas are rich in resistant starch. Resistant starch has a positive impact on our colon, so it can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and colon cancer. However, there is a downside: for those with sensitive intestines, eating green bananas can worsen irritable bowel syndrome, cause gas, and lead to a bloated feeling.

2. Yellow Bananas

Secondly, yellow bananas have a lower resistant starch content and a higher sugar content, making them softer and sweeter. Due to the decrease in resistant starch, they are easier to digest, but their glycemic index (GI) increases and the duration of satiety decreases.
On the other hand, they are rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and dietary fiber during this stage. This is the stage when those who prefer slightly firm texture and a not-too-sweet banana taste can choose them. They are also good for eating right away after peeling the skin.

3. Bananas with Yellow Spots

Thirdly, after turning yellow, small spots begin to appear on the bananas. Now it's time for them to enter the overripe stage. These small spots are called sugar spots, and this is the time when bananas become as sweet as sugar. The vitamin and mineral content decreases, and the sugar content becomes much higher than before, making them sweeter.
This is the stage when they boast the highest sweetness, making them the most delicious. Also, bananas with sugar spots have a higher level of tumor necrosis factor, so it is said that you can expect improved immunity and anti-cancer effects.

Reasons to Eat Bananas

1. Preventing Heartburn and Peptic Ulcers

Eating bananas helps prevent heartburn and peptic ulcers. One banana contains about 450 mg of potassium, which neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn. In particular, it contains ingredients effective in eliminating certain bacteria that cause ulcers, so it is beneficial for stomach health.

2. Blood Pressure Control

Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help control blood pressure by lowering sodium levels in the body. In addition, they contain iron and potassium, which are good for anemia, so hemoglobin increases, leading to smooth blood supply and positively impacting heart and bone health.

3. Muscle Health

Bananas are particularly good for middle-aged and older adults whose muscles are weakening. Bananas are very rich in protease, an enzyme that breaks down dietary protein, which helps in the absorption of proteins that make up muscles. For those experiencing muscle weakness due to aging, bananas rich in protease can be helpful. Also, the potassium in bananas helps prevent muscle cramps, so it's good to eat one or two a day.

4. Mood Enhancement

Bananas are rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin, which helps relax the body and improve mood. It also induces the secretion of melatonin, a sleep hormone, so it's a good banana for both day and night. It is also said that the tryptophan content is more abundant in bananas with sugar spots than in unripe bananas, so please keep that in mind.

In Conclusion

While bananas have many benefits, it is best not to eat them on an empty stomach. The magnesium in bananas can lead to mineral imbalances when the stomach is empty, so those with low blood pressure or concerns about heart health should be careful about eating bananas on an empty stomach. Make good use of the benefits of bananas and enjoy eating plenty of delicious bananas.