5 reasons why we should all be going bananas for bananas

Whether eaten raw or mixed into a healthy smoothie, these potent fruits ought to be your go-to healthy snack, says Liz Connor

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor at bay, but whoever coined this pithy phrase had clearly never encountered a banana. They’re one of the most widely consumed fruits – more than 100 billion are eaten every year worldwide – yet few of us know about the incredible health benefits that are loaded in each bunch.

The best thing about these tubular fruits? They’re available to buy all year round and they make a great pick-me-up during the winter months when many berries and fruits are out of season.
Here, we’ve found a handful of amazing health benefits of the humble fruit.

1. They can help with digestion

Struggling with a bloated belly and stomach pains after a hearty meal? Studies have shown that bananas can help. Their high-fiber content helps to promote a harmonious gut function, easing the symptoms of bowel conditions like IBS. In Ayurveda, the balance between sweet and sour tastes in the fleshy fruit is said to bring about a sense of heaviness, while also stimulating the important flow of  digestive juices. They’re also a brilliant hangover cure, as they help to restore normal bowel function after a night of sugary, alcoholic drinks, as well as important electrolytes and potassium.

2. They’re an instant energy boost

Forget sugary sports drinks and caffeine-filled coffees: bananas are secretly the healthiest way to get an energy hit first thing on a gloomy Monday morning. That’s because they contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – giving you a fat and cholesterol-free source of fuel. Whizz them up in a shake for a morning treat or pack one in your sports bag for a delicious post-workout pick-me-up…..
Read more: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/food-drink/5-reasons-why-we-should-all-be-going-bananas-for-bananas-36595155.html
Source: Belfast Telegraph
Image: Clip Art Library