Why You Should Eat More Bananas
By Sara Butler
Bananas are an underrated fruit. They may not have the limelight as a “superfood” but that makes them no less super. They can help reduce bloating, increase energy, even fight cancer -- and they’re really inexpensive. Plus, you can take them just about anywhere! Here are some of the most amazing things about bananas and what they can do for your health.
They Help Build Lean Muscle
Magnesium is important to help your body build muscle and bananas happen to be an excellent source of it! The magnesium in bananas helps to increase lean muscle and helps with the relaxation and contraction of your muscle fibers. Plus, magnesium helps to boost the natural process your body uses to release fat from its fat stores.
The potassium in bananas will also help you to recover faster from your workout, allowing you to build muscle and exercise more.
They Help You Be Happy!
Bananas help to promote smiles because they’re full of Vitamin B9. This vitamin is thought to help fight depression by helping serotonin, your feel-good hormone, enter your brain faster. Many studies have shown that increasing your intake of Vitamin B9 can help antidepressants work more effectively.
They Help with Stress and Anxiety
It’s not their place in slapstick comedy routines that can help bananas to relieve stress and anxiety. Bananas also contain tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin that can help manage anxiety, irritability, fatigue, aggression, and anger.
Bananas also contain norepinephrine, which can help to regulate your stress through control of your fight-or-flight response. Plus, that tryptophan can help you sleep better at night, helping to promote relaxation and regulate sleep.
They Help You Feel Full
Unripe bananas are full of something called resistant starch. It cannot be digested in your body but is great for your gut bacteria! This starch also helps you to feel fuller for longer, helping to control your appetite. That’s why they make a great addition to any smoothie recipe!
They are Great for Your Energy Levels
There’s a reason why bananas are a favorite among elite athletes and distance runners. Aside from being easy to take with you, they’re high in glucose. This sugar is easily digestible and helps to provide energy quickly when you need it during exercise. Eating one after a workout also helps to replenish energy you’ve lost, too.
It's OK to go bananas because they're just so good for you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Long Beach, Calif.