Bananas are one of the most sought-after superfoods in the world for good reason. They provide a laundry list of health benefits that range from physical to mental in nature. These perks apply to the entire population, not just those people with health issues.
Here are just a few:
Muscle Regeneration
During a workout, your muscles use up their glycogen stores (the main storage form of glucose) for fuel, leaving them partially depleted. It is important to replenish lost carbs, sodium, and potassium so your muscles don’t break down and you don’t get fatigued.
When you sweat, you lose potassium, which is an electrolyte crucial for heart function and muscle contraction. Low levels of potassium can result in cramps and muscle soreness.
A banana can make a great post-workout snack because it contains potassium, magnesium, and carbohydrates.
These nutrients enhance recovery, restore glycogen stores, and support muscle growth. (5)
Fight Inflammation
Bananas contain natural flavonoids, which act as antioxidants to reduce swelling, irritation, and inflammation. (6) Quercetin is the predominant flavonoid found in bananas and is one of the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet. It plays an important role in fighting free radical damage, which happens when antioxidant levels in the body are lower than those of free radicals, resulting in an overloaded immune system. (7)
Inflammation is at the root of several chronic illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, so bananas act as a preventative measure as well. (8)
Hangover Helpers
Alcohol makes you pee — a lot, which causes you to lose nutrients and electrolytes, including potassium.
Potassium deficiency results in cramping, soreness, and poor muscle function — which explains that feeling of having been hit by a truck after a night out.
Bananas are 75 percent water, which can help reverse the dehydration caused by excessive alcohol drinking. (4)
Improve Your Sex Life
Studies suggest that potassium deficiency can cause a decrease in testicular testosterone. (9) Increasing banana consumption and raising testosterone levels will improve libido and sexual endurance.
Bananas contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to less depression and improved sleep and memory. (10) Eating bananas boosts serotonin levels in the brain that in turn regulates mood and boosts sex drive.
Last, bananas are a good source of carbohydrates, which give you energy and increase blood circulation throughout the body (including to your genitals).
Aids Digestion
The carbohydrates in bananas are easy to digest and are filled with nutrients that promote gut health. (7)
Potassium in bananas can help restore normal bowel functions after diarrhea by regulating fluids and restoring electrolytes. (6) Eat less-ripe (green) bananas if you have diarrhea because the resistant starch in them helps to slow down bowel movements.
Bananas contain insoluble fiber, which adds to the bulk of your stool and helps to move food through your digestive system. (7) This is why bananas are a good choice in helping to relieve constipation — just make sure that they’re nice and ripe.
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