8 Benefits Your Body Gets When You Eat Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas increase their concentration of potassium, which makes them the perfect allies for cardiovascular health. In addition, they provide us with soluble fiber, ideal for regulating cholesterol.
Banana is a very delicious fruit that we should all include in our diet on a regular basis, not only to enjoy its exquisite flavor, but to benefit from its nutrients. Its benefits for the body are widely known, but for some reason there is a belief that ripe bananas, whose peel takes on a black color, are not suitable for consumption.
It is said that upon reaching this degree of maturity they lose many of their properties and can be harmful to the body. However, these myths have already been dismantled and it is proven that in this way they become quite good for physical and mental health. Although it is clear that the texture and flavor are modified in the ripening process, there are nutrients and properties that are concentrated to make them much healthier.
Benefits your body gets when you eat ripe bananas
Next, we give you in detail those 8 benefits that you can obtain when you decide not to waste them.
1. Help protect against cancer
Bananas that reach a higher degree of maturity develop small black spots on their peels that can completely invade them. It is believed that the darker they get, the higher their quality for immunity and cancer prevention.
According to the Japanese study “Differences in Biological Response Modifier-like Activities According to the Strain and Maturity of Bananas” conducted by Haruyo Iwasawa and Masatoshi YamazaKi, ripe bananas have antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects that contribute to the prevention of cancer diseases.
This preventive effect would come from a substance produced by the immune system called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), which is found in bananas.
2. Fight gastric acidity
Due to their antacid power, these fruits are also recommended to treat several of the discomforts that result from indigestion. They are easily digestible and their properties regulate the pH of the stomach to prevent acid reflux and the formation of ulcers. At the same time, it has a large amount of fiber, a substance that has been shown to improve intestinal health.
3. They strengthen defenses
Bananas that become filled with brown spots considerably increase their amount of Tumor Necrosis Factor, a substance that is up to 8 times more effective in increasing white blood cells compared to those with green skin or those without stains.
TNF is a cytokine that is released from certain cells of the immune system with effects on other cell groups. Indeed, it has the ability to increase the presence of antibodies and prevent the development of serious diseases.
4. Improve cardiovascular health
Due to its significant concentration of potassium, this food benefits cardiovascular health by controlling blood pressure levels. This is evidenced by a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology.
This mineral is essential for the balance of sodium in the body and its intake has a relationship with the reduction of the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
On the other hand, it should be noted its significant contribution of soluble fiber, a nutrient necessary to control cholesterol and protect the heart muscle.
5. They take care of bone health
The skeletal system also receives very important benefits from the potassium contained in ripe bananas. Since, this mineral participates in the regulation of calcium and pH levels in the blood, which prevents the deterioration of the bones.
According to the study “The effects of high potassium consumption on bone mineral density in a prospective cohort study of elderly postmenopausal women” carried out by K. Zu, A Devine and RL Prince: “Potassium consumption shows a positive association with bone density in elderly women, suggesting that increased consumption of potassium-rich foods may play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis ”.
6. Relieve stress
They contain an essential amino acid known as tryptophan whose presence in the body participates in the production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter is related to mood, sleep quality, and decreased stress episodes.
7. Remedy for constipation
The high fiber content of this fruit makes it one of the best remedies against the symptoms of constipation.
On the other hand, the black spots on its skin are full of fiber and can be used as an infusion to reduce the symptoms of heavy digestions.
8. Increase energies
The higher the degree of ripeness of bananas, the higher their energy value. This means that they are good for improving physical and mental performance, especially in those situations that are demanding.
Consume bananas regularly
Finally, if you have not yet taken advantage of them, we advise you to include them in your diet. Anyway, keep in mind that they are quite energetic fruits, so consume them in moderation.
