Bananas are a very versatile and popular fruit – and they are also very healthy! Let’s look at what nutrients they contain, and some ideas of how to incorporate them into your diet!
Fibre
One banana provides around 10% of your recommended daily intake of fibre - and most of what it contains is soluble fibre, which helps to keep your cholesterol in check and your
blood sugar levels stable. Foods high in fibre are also great at making you feel fuller for longer!
Potassium
Potassium is one of the most important nutrients in your body, and bananas contain a lot of it! Potassium can help to reduce blood pressure, and can decrease the risks of having a stroke, developing osteoporosis, and helps to prevent kidney stones.
Magnesium
Bananas also contain plenty of magnesium, a nutrient that benefits your heart and blood sugar levels. Every cell in your body needs magnesium to function. Research has also shown that low levels of magnesium are linked to increased risk of depression, and studies show that supplementing magnesium can lead to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
Manganese
Manganese is beneficial for brain and nerve function, and it also helps the body to form connective tissue, bones and blood clotting factors. One banana contains about 13% of your daily manganese needs.
Copper
Copper is an essential mineral, which plays a role in creating red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells, supporting the immune system, and helping the body to absorb iron. A banana contains 11% of the recommended daily intake of copper.
Vitamins B6 and C
Vitamin B-6 is needed for keeping the immune system and the nervous system healthy, and a banana will give you 38% of your RDA. Vitamin C helps to strengthen our immune system and lower blood pressure - one banana contains 20% of the amount of vitamin C you need each day.
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