Bananas: They Really Are Good for You

Bananas taste very good. They're very sweet and satisfying and they're also very filling. A lot of people feel like because bananas offer all of these benefits when it comes to personal satisfaction that bananas don't offer any health benefits. Many people also believe that bananas are fattening and can cause harm to the body.

Overall bananas are healthy. It is the most popular knowledge that bananas are high in potassium, but there are other health qualities that bananas have. Bananas have 10% of our daily value of potassium. They also contain 16% of our daily value of fiber.

This is very important. Most people find bananas to be so filling; and because they are so filling they feel that bananas should be avoided when on a diet. One of the best things to do when you're on a diet is to include a significant amount fiber. Fiber causes you to feel full when you're not full. When combined with water or liquids; fiber expands and creates a fullness in your stomach. So when you sit down to your meal you wind up eating less. With bananas offering 16% of your daily amount of fiber; this is a great benefit to someone trying to lose weight. Bananas do however have some sugar.

They contain almost 15 grams of sugar which is only 2% of your daily recommended value. Bananas also include 20 of your daily value of vitamin B6 and 16% of your daily value of vitamin C. Many people don't know this about bananas because vitamin C is something that many of us associate with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. The reason these vitamins and minerals are important are many fold. Potassium is known as a calming mineral and is good for the nervous system. It is also good for your heart in many ways. Many scientists and doctors believe that increased potassium in the body can help you prevent a stroke.

Because of this, bananas are a great addition to the diet of older people and younger people genetically at risk of heart disease and stroke. Bananas are also considered mildly sedating and are also considered to be mood enhancers. Bananas release tryptophan which is an amino acid which regulates the seratonin in the body. They can make one feel better and more upbeat. Tryptophan is a mood enhancer. This is a scientifically known fact. The vitamin B6 in bananas is also good for the immune system and good for blood. The potassium in bananas also prevents the excretion of calcium from the kidneys which in turn is good for bones and bone health. It also aids in the prevention of kidney stones.