Apart from being delicious, bananas are extremely healthy. There are a number of ways to consume bananas on a regular basis, however, the taste can only be enjoyed if you pick the right ones and store them properly. Hence, while you’re out there grocery shopping, make sure to look for the ones with yellow skin and green ends with minimum black spots. The key to good storage is to keep them in the refrigerator with all other fruits, and use them as quickly as possible. Leaving them outside would only make them overripe, quicker than ever.
We’ve discovered a number of health and skin benefits of bananas recently, and we’ve made the perfect list for you:
1. Bananas contain many important nutrients
Bananas are rich in potassium which helps in low blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. They consist of mostly carbs and water and have only 105 calories. Protein and fat are two variants that a banana lacks. It contains 33% of Vitamin B6, 11% Vitamin C, and 8% Magnesium.
2. Bananas improve brain health
Since our childhood, we’ve all heard and practically experienced how much having a banana for breakfast improves our brain’s functioning. I remember my mom holding out a banana for me before every exam. Interestingly, the SAT exam essentials clearly suggested that we carry bananas to our exam and eat one during every break.
3. Bananas improve digestion
A normal banana has around 3-4 grams of fiber. The major health benefit linked to such fibers includes improved digestion due to the content they contain.
4. Bananas aid in weight loss
If you like bananas, you would also know how filling they can be. Having two bananas can equally account to one whole breakfast due to their low calorie and high nutrient intake. Eating more fiber from vegetables and fruits like bananas has forever been linked to weight loss.
5. Banana and olive oil hair mask for hair protein
If you’re eager to improve your hair condition, make a banana puree by blending two bananas until they are mashed into a smooth paste and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the mixture. Once the hair mask has a frothy texture, apply it on damp hair and rinse it after a time of 15 minutes. Make sure to wash the mask off with cold water, and be ready for smooth and shiny hair soon after!
6. Banana peels to cure pimples
Yes, you heard right! Banana peels can be used to cure pimples. All you have to do is massage the banana peels on your skin (face/body) for 5 minutes every day. The results will be visible within a week, and be sure to keep applying them regularly till your acne disappears.
7. Banana as a skin moisturizer
Bananas have more than a few skin benefits; all you have to do is grab a bowl and a banana, mash with the back of a fork till it forms a thick paste and apply it on your face. Keep it on for around 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Repeat this twice a week - not only will this moisturize your skin naturally, but it will also lighten the dark spots on your face.
There really can’t be a better combination of a yummy and healthy fruit. Go grab some bananas from the store and see how they benefit you!
Being a Pakistani, food has always been my comforter, be it me getting happy over a happy meal or my father asking me to go to school just to get sweets in return. Food is not just about eating, its a sentiment that connects people with each other. I started writing for Food Tribune because of my love for food.
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