Learn about other ways to lower blood pressure naturally and the importance of addressing magnesium and potassium deficiencies.
Bananas Can Help Regulate Blood Glucose Levels
If you have diabetes, you can still eat moderate portions of bananas because they can help improve blood glucose levels.
One small banana (6” or 15 cm) contains 23 g of carbs and has a low GI count of 8. One study found that eating a banana for breakfast significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels after 4 weeks in people with high cholesterol. The trial concluded that consuming a banana daily shouldn’t harm people with diabetes or high cholesterol. (16)
If you have type 2 diabetes, learn about other foods that can help manage diabetes symptoms.
Bananas Contain Compounds That Can Protect Against Gastric Ulcers
Unripe plantain bananas contain compounds that can help protect your gastrointestinal lining from damage.
Gastric ulcers can be caused by the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). One study found that unripe bananas have anti-ulcerogenic properties that can protect the stomach lining. Preparations using plantain banana powder can help to stimulate the growth of gastric mucosa. This helps to prevent gastrointestinal damage that results in ulcers. (17)
Other research has suggested that using plantain banana extracts can help to kill off free radicals in the intestines and reduce excess stomach acid. This can help to heal the peptic ulcer. (18)
Find out more ways to lower stomach acid levels if you suffer from ulcers or heartburn.
Unripe Bananas Can Help You Lose Weight
Bananas are a very healthy fruit that can also help you lose weight as part of a weight-loss program.
Two large bananas can provide you with about 30% of your recommended daily fiber intake. Researchers say that dietary fiber can help reduce feelings of hunger and keep your digestion working properly. Increasing dietary fiber can help to lose weight and reduce obesity. (19)
Unripe bananas that are still green contain resistant starch that can also help you lose weight. The British Journal of Nutrition reported that foods containing resistant starch can help to manage appetite better. (20)
What about claims that bananas cause you to put on weight? According to researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, increasing your regular banana intake doesn’t cause weight gain. (7)
If you want to lose belly fat, try out some of these 12 simple tweaks for weight loss.
Bananas May Help Lower Your Risk of Kidney Cancer
One study in Sweden found that bananas are one of the best fruits to eat to lower your risk of renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer). The researchers found that eating 3 portions of fruits and vegetables per day can reduce the risk of renal cancer. From fruits, bananas had the best protective effect on the kidneys against cancer. (21)
Banana Peels: Are They Edible?
Banana peels are edible and contain many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. So, you shouldn’t dispose of your banana peels but you can try to incorporate them into your diet. In fact, banana peels have more antioxidants than banana pulp.
Scientists have found that banana peel contains polyphenols and carotenoids – strong plant-based antioxidants. In fact, unripe banana peel has the strongest antioxidant activity. (22)
How can you eat banana peel? You can roast bananas along with the peel to make them more palatable. Or, you can fry them or boil them. However, if you want to get the health benefits of raw banana peel, you can chop the ends off, thoroughly wash the peel, and add the peel to your favorite smoothie.
What are the benefits of using bananas peels? Here a few great reasons to use banana peel in your diet.
Consuming banana peel may have an anti-depressant effect
Adding raw banana peel to your smoothies can help lift your mood and have an anti-depressant effect.
Scientists have found that the peel of Cavendish bananas contains high levels of dopamine. In fact, banana peel has up to 560 mg dopamine levels per 100 g as compared to just 10 mg dopamine in the pulp. As well as containing dopamine, banana peel is a rich source of antioxidants. (23)
For more advice on what to do if you have depression, please read this article on natural ways to lift your mood. You can also consume other supplements to increase dopamine levels and boost your mood.
Banana peels are good for oral health
Banana peels also have benefits for your dental health and can help prevent gum disease.
Researchers have found that extracts from banana peel have antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria that are found in the mouth. Oral bacteria are associated with periodontal disease like bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or gum abscesses. (24)
You can also try using the skin of a banana to whiten your teeth. Some people claim that potassium, manganese, and magnesium in banana peel have teeth-whitening properties. There are no scientific studies backing up these claims. However, the only way to see if bananas can whiten your teeth is to try yourself.
How to use bananas to whiten teeth:
Rub the inside of a banana peel over your teeth and leave for 5 – 10 minutes for the banana paste to work.
Brush your teeth as normal to clear the banana paste and completely remove bacteria from your mouth.
Use the banana skin teeth-whitening method once a day for best results.
It may take a few weeks until you see results.
Apply banana peels to insect bites or to soothe skin rashes
You could also try applying banana peels to skin rashes and insect bites.
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