Bananas should be avoided by diabetics, people with acid reflux or digestive problems.
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world as they are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, antioxidants, and are rich in fiber and carbohydrates. It is perfect as a healthy snack that fills the stomach, and it is convenient to eat anytime, anywhere, so it is enjoyed by many people. Although bananas have many benefits, there are some people who should not eat such a good fruit. Let’s learn about the benefits and harms of eating bananas based on data from Health Nature, an American health website.
1. Strengthens immunity= Bananas are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin. Antioxidants are essential for protecting cells from free radicals that damage the body’s immune system. Active oxygen enters the body through eating processed foods, smoking, and air pollution, and also occurs naturally in physiological processes such as breathing and digestion. In particular, one banana contains about 12% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which helps strengthen your immune system and protect your health.
2. Increases energy levels= The reason athletes often eat bananas as a snack is because they provide energy by perfectly combining fiber and natural fructose. Bananas have a lower water content and contain more fiber. In addition, the natural sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose) contained in it quickly provide energy. Additionally, fiber slows the digestion of sugar and helps provide continuous energy. Bananas are low in calories but provide plenty of energy, making them a great snack before or after exercise.
3. Helps muscle recovery= When your muscles are tired or painful after exercise, bananas are a very effective food for helping recovery. Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, and these two minerals act as electrolytes to maintain water balance in the body.
If you do not replenish the electrolytes lost through sweating during exercise, muscle cramps and pain may occur. Bananas quickly replenish these electrolytes, helping muscle recovery and keeping you comfortable the next day after exercise.
4. Suppresses appetite= Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber, which has the effect of making you feel fuller for a long time. Pectin combines with water in the digestive tract to form a gel, filling the stomach and reducing hunger. One banana contains about 3 grams of fiber, meeting about 10% of the recommended daily intake. The high fiber content helps prevent excessive snacking and helps maintain or lose weight.
5. Promotes good sleep= Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium; one medium banana contains about 8% of the daily value. Magnesium contributes to improving sleep quality by regulating the body’s biological rhythm. Magnesium helps produce melatonin and helps relax the body by lowering levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Eating a banana before bed can help you sleep better.
However, even though bananas have many benefits, some people may need to be careful or avoid consuming them. People for whom bananas are not suitable include:
1. Patients with kidney disease who have problems excreting potassium= Bananas are a fruit with a high potassium content, which can be dangerous for people whose kidneys are not functioning properly. When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot properly excrete potassium from the body, leading to the risk of developing hyperkalemia. This can lead to muscle weakness, heart rate irregularities, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. If you suffer from kidney disease, you should limit your banana intake or consult a specialist.
2. People with allergies= There are cases where people have an allergic reaction to bananas. Banana allergy may be related to Latex-Fruit Syndrome, in which people with latex allergies are more likely to react to bananas as well. Allergy symptoms can manifest as anaphylactic shock, such as itching around the mouth, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
3. Diabetic patients who have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels= Bananas are rich in natural sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose), which can quickly raise blood sugar levels. In particular, fully ripe bananas have a higher glycemic index, so diabetics or people who need to control blood sugar levels should moderate their intake. If you want to eat bananas, it is best to limit your intake to small amounts or choose unripe bananas.
4. People who restrict calorie intake= Bananas are low in calories, but have a relatively high carbohydrate content compared to other fruits. If you are losing weight, it is advisable to adjust your daily intake or balance your intake with other low-calorie fruits.
5. People with acid reflux or digestive problems= Bananas help with digestion for most people, but in rare cases they may cause gas or discomfort in people with digestive problems. In particular, caution is needed with overripe bananas as they can worsen gastric reflux symptoms.
Source: kormedi.com