Bananas: useful properties, contraindications, calorie content

Banana is a sweet, fragrant, tasty fruit that is loved not only by children, but also by adults. It can become a full-fledged snack between main meals, replacing a sandwich or a sweet bun. But not all people know about the harmful and beneficial properties of bananas. Is it possible to harm yourself if you regularly eat this fruit, or, conversely, you can expect only benefit from it?

Chemical composition

Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, they contain inulin, as well as dietary fiber necessary for the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Like any other product, this fruit consists of three components - these are proteins, fats and carbohydrates, or BJU. Take, for example, a large banana weighing 135-140 g. It will be 3% protein, 1% fat and 10% carbohydrate. Consider in more detail the composition that determines the beneficial properties and contraindications of bananas.

The beneficial properties of bananas

The description above briefly talks about the benefits of a substance in the fruit. Bananas can be safely called a natural antioxidant, which helps protect cells and cleanse the body from the negative effects of free radicals, toxins and other harmful elements. The substances in the fruit contribute to the maintenance of the normal functioning of the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, as well as the blood forming organs and the gastrointestinal tract. They help to eliminate bad cholesterol, support the visual system, slow down the aging process, fight stress and body fat. Equally important, the antioxidant properties of the product prevent the formation of cancer cells.

In short, the composition of a banana has a beneficial effect on the whole body, including the skin. It is an ideal product for restoring energy after hard work and the body as a whole with nervous strain.

Possible harm

Those who studied the topic of proper nutrition probably came across information that this fruit is not the best option for a snack during the diet. However, the beneficial properties of bananas allow you to make a small correction. Firstly, he does not have such a high calorie content that he should give up fruit for the entire diet. Secondly, a banana contains more complex (slow) carbohydrates than fast carbohydrates, and therefore sugars will not turn into fat deposits, but will be converted into energy. Thirdly, the fruit is very nutritious, this is one of the best options to give the body useful substances during a snack between breakfast and lunch. Therefore, a banana is not only possible, but also needs to be eaten at least once a day.

As they say, the main thing is to stop on time. That is, if you eat 6 bananas per day, it is clear that the benefits in this case should not be expected. Also, to avoid harm, you should not buy unripe fruits, as they contribute to gas formation.

Contraindications and restrictions for use

It is important to know not only about the beneficial properties of a banana, but also about when a fruit can harm. Firstly, do not forget that even a healthy person who does not have any health problems, a banana can harm if consumed excessively, which will result in problems in the gastrointestinal tract and a general deterioration in physical condition. Secondly, you should use fruit with caution in people suffering from obesity and diabetes. In this case, the use is strictly limited, it is advisable to even discuss this with your doctor. Thirdly, in order to prevent the development of an undesirable allergic reaction, it is not recommended to give a banana to a child under 3 years old. By the way, any person who is allergic to latex should not eat this fruit.

Other, no less important than useful properties, banana contraindications apply to those people who have deviations in the blood formation system. So, the fruit can harm with a tendency to thrombosis and increased blood coagulation. The reason for this is the ability of a banana to remove excess fluid from the body, which makes the blood even thicker. However, it is worth mentioning the effect of inulin, which promotes liquefaction. So it’s better to talk to the doctor or eat bananas only occasionally.

A few numbers: calorie content and glycemic index of the product. The effect on the body of diabetics and those on a diet

Banana should be consumed in a very limited amount by people with diabetes. Moreover, it is better to eat it only in the morning, when the body converts all incoming carbohydrates into energy. The glycemic index of the product is 18 units, which is considered acceptable. However, doctors do not advise to rely on the beneficial properties of banana for the human body, since harm in this case is more likely than good. Still, this fruit contains a lot of sugar. Also, a banana is difficult to digest, and any heavy food can be a diabetic, without exaggeration, the latter. After all, the body spends a lot of energy on digesting food.

Banana is a relatively low-calorie product, but it can be enough for one snack. That is, with a strict diet, in addition to this fruit, it is not worth consuming anything else at one meal.

Calorie content depends on the size of the banana. So, if its length is at least 15 cm, then the figure will be 72 kcal, 18-20 cm - 105 kcal, 20-22.5 cm - 121 kcal, and 23 cm or more - 135 kcal. It follows that one banana per day for those on a diet does not harm, but, on the contrary, will be useful.

Separate Benefits of Bananas for Women

Of particular note is the effect of the fruit on the body of the beautiful half of humanity. After studying its composition, the beneficial properties of banana for women become quite obvious. All substances positively affect the condition of the skin, maintain a normal hormonal background, help get rid of edema, have a positive effect on the nervous system and so on.

The fruit is very useful in the most critical periods of a woman’s life - pregnancy and lactation. In addition to a positive effect on the nervous system and hormonal levels, banana has a positive effect on the intrauterine development of the fetus, due to the content of folic acid in the composition. Vitamin B6 helps get rid of heartburn and softens the course of toxicosis, and tocopherol is involved in the synthesis of hormones in the body of a future mother. Vitamin E stimulates the production of prolactin, which is important for adequate lactation.

The importance of bananas in the life of men

A strong half of humanity often disappears in training. Therefore, the beneficial properties of banana for men are expressed in the ability to quickly restore muscle tissue after heavy loads. The thing is that after training it is important to restore glycogen loss on time. If this is not done, then catabolism will occur - the destruction of muscle cells. So, a banana does an excellent job of this task, as it adequately supplies the body with sugars.

And, of course, do not forget about all the other positive qualities of the fruit, which were described above. The beneficial properties of a banana for a man’s body (as well as for a woman) are an immunostimulating, antioxidant, calming effect, as well as a positive effect on the reproductive and cardiovascular systems, organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

What is useful banana for children?

If the baby does not have allergies and stomach problems, then the most positive qualities can be expected from the fruit. The substances in the banana ensure the normal development of the bone system and muscle tissue, stimulate healthy cell growth, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system and the body as a whole, help improve brain function and concentration, and also reduce mental and physical fatigue. But it is important to remember that the beneficial properties of bananas for the child's body are possible only with adequate (not excessive) use.

Is a banana peel useful?

There is a statement that the peel of this fruit is no less useful than the pulp. So it really is. The skin contains the largest amount of coarse fiber, so it is ideal for soft and natural bowel cleansing. In addition, the peel contains the same beneficial substances as the pulp.

How can I eat a banana skin?

Having learned about the useful properties of banana peels , you think about the logical question - how to use the peel? After all, eating it in its raw form is at least unpleasant. There are several recipes that will make skin absorption a pleasant process and, of course, help to prepare a very tasty, healthy dish. For example, it can be put out. Initially, the peel is well washed from the outside, it is advisable to even use a stiff brush to get rid of wax. Next, the skin needs to be cut into pieces and a little fry in a pan. Oil should not be added. Then the peel is stewed in chicken or vegetable broth for 10-15 minutes, until the tart taste disappears. You can add garlic, mint, cilantro, aromatic herbs and seasonings. The finished dish goes well with meat and fish. And if instead of the broth add sugar syrup and boil the peel until thickened, you will get delicious candied fruits.

What can be made from banana?

Practical people always eat this fruit raw. And few people know that the beneficial properties of a banana for a person can be estimated by preparing it somehow differently. From the sweet fruit you get a delicious mashed potatoes, which can be combined with other chopped fruits and berries. Milkshakes are prepared from it, the pulp is added to natural homemade yogurt, cheesecakes and other desserts. Bananas are baked, then served with fried fish or meat, various dishes with the addition of curry. They go well with sour fruits and are often on the list of ingredients for light salads. Bananas can even be used as a filling for baking, additives to ice cream and one of the components of cream for a cake. In general, in order to experience the beneficial properties of a banana for the human body, it is not necessary to eat it only in its raw form.