Did You Know What Happens To Your Body If You Eat Ripe Bananas?
Ripe banana helps us increase the number of leukocytes and strengthen the immune system. In addition, it improves our cardiovascular health and favors the absorption of calcium.
Banana is a delicious fruit that is recommended to be included more frequently in many diets. In addition to its exquisite flavor, it is proven that they contain very important nutrients that improve the health of the body. Thus, oddly enough, ripe bananas can provide a large amount of nutrients.
An investigation of the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid , shows the positive effects of the ingestion of the Canarian banana in the fight against colon cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases.
This research has been directed by the doctor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Antonio López Farré, and has had the support and encouragement of the Association of Organizations of Producers of Bananas of the Canary Islands (ASPROCAN) and the company Plátano de Canarias.
Bananas contain Tumor Necrosis Factor
When bananas ripen, they develop a series of dark spots, which can be unsightly. However, it seems that the more dark spots the banana has, the more beneficial it will be to the body and especially to the immune system.
In recent Japanese research it was revealed that ripe bananas contain a cytokine called TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). This is released by some cells of the immune system that have an effect on other cells of the body. This is what gives them properties that help us fight cancer. Its effect is so powerful that it can fight against abnormal tumor cells that are present in our body.
The function of this cytokine is compared to that of lentinan, a chemical immunostimulant that is administered intravenously and also acts as an anticancer agent. The effect increases according to its maturity, that is, the more ripe the fruit, the greater its anticancer effect.
More maturity, higher quality of its nutrients
As fruits ripen, they have changes in their nutritional value, increasing or decreasing their properties.
In the case of bananas, it has been proven that the more it ripens, the higher the level of antioxidants it concentrates. Also, when you already have those dark spots, the starch content changes into simple sugars that are easily digestible.
In the same study by Japanese scientists, tests associated with the consumption of different ripe fruits were made: banana, grape, apple, pineapple, pear, watermelon and persimmon. The research concluded that the ripe banana is more beneficial than other fruits. This is because it has the ability to increase the number of white cells in the blood and boost the immune system.
To take advantage of this important benefit of the banana, it is recommended to eat 1 or 2 pieces a day.
Increases defenses and prevents us from diseases
Studies have shown that, according to science itself, the more ripe a banana is, the higher concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor it will have. It is believed that the number of defenses and white cells can increase up to 8 times, compared to bananas that are green or fresh.
What other benefits do ripe bananas bring?
Having anticancer compounds should be reason enough to include them more regularly in your diet. However, so that you have no doubts, we leave you other important benefits that you receive when eating ripe bananas.
Good digestive health
A medium banana contains up to 3 grams of fiber. This contributes to good intestinal function and facilitates the circulation of food through the digestive tract. It is also a natural source of electrolytes, which are often lost when we have diarrhea.
In addition, they contain prebiotic compounds, such as fructooligosaccharides, which help preserve the good bacteria present in the body.
Improves cardiovascular health
Thanks to the potassium they contain, ripe bananas lower sodium concentrations. These can cause fluid retention and affect heart health.
In an analysis of 11 studies published in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology,” it was found that people who introduced potassium-rich foods to their diet reduced their risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Bone health
Research was conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center in Oregon (USA). In it it was revealed that a diet rich in potassium reduces the risk of suffering from osteoporosis.
Ripe bananas are a source of potassium and, in addition, the fructooligosaccharide contributes to increase the absorption of calcium, which could at the same time strengthen the bones.
