Do Bananas Cause Belly Fat?
No, bananas when taken in moderation do not cause or increase belly fat. Banana is a versatile fruit that can be taken in limited portions to lose or maintain weight. Have it as a snack instead of a sugary option like cookies or pastries. The natural sugars in bananas make it an outstanding snack before a workout. It may give the required energy during workout routines and in day to day activities. Bananas contain resistant starch, which may not contribute to the number of calories consumed if taken in a limited quantity. They also contain a high amount of natural fibers and potassium, which usually help in losing weight. Banana is a great fruit that is cheap, high on vitamin B6, and contains amino acids like tryptophan essential for healthy sleep and good mood.
What are the benefits of snacking on a banana?
Bananas are a quick and great snack and have many health benefits. They are:
- B-vitamins in bananas helps the body to maintain a healthy metabolism and reduce health risks associated with type 2 diabetes. They are also important for the nervous system and help our body produce white blood cells.
- Bananas also help keep you healthy by potentially reducing your risk of kidney cancer and macular degeneration (due to the high content of the carotenoid ‘lutein’).
- It may be a good snack for the women who are suffering from premenstrual syndrome or PMS (it is a condition that affects a woman's emotions, physical health, and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle, generally just before her menses). As per research, snacking on bananas may improve mood whether you on PMS or not. This may be due to its high tryptophan content.
- Bananas are a good late-night snack. They promote a good night’s sleep.
- It is a good snack before the workout session because of their mixture of slow-moving sugar plus electrolytes can help keep your energy level steady.
- The potassium and magnesium in bananas may help protect us from muscle cramps at night and during workouts.
- Bananas are rich in pectin, which is a soluble dietary fiber and great for digestion. Bananas are promoted for their role in the BRAT diet. This diet is advised while recovering from a bout of stomach flu.
- Banana fiber contains a prebiotic that encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the bowel. These bacteria produce digestive enzymes that help the body absorb nutrients and support healthy weight management.
- The fiber in bananas is good for relieving constipation, and it also helps in soothing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bananas may naturally soothe acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Bananas are rich in antioxidants, especially when overripe, which protect against premature aging.
- Banana is also considered good if an individual is trying to quit smoking. The high levels of B-vitamins, potassium, and magnesium in bananas are not only good for but they help an individual recover quickly from nicotine withdrawal.
- Banana milkshake with honey is the hangover cure. The fruit will calm your stomach, the honey will help normalize the blood sugar, and the milk will rehydrate the body.
- According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, increasing the consumption of potassium-rich foods can help prevent osteoporosis; a 2008 study found that a diet that is potassium-rich and bicarbonate-rich significantly reduces bone turnover (another term for bone loss). Bananas also contain 16% of the daily value of manganese, which is a nutrient that might help prevent arthritis and osteoporosis.