Why You Should Eat Banana Often

Do you know the only curved, yellow fruit with a thick skin and soft flesh? Yes, the one popularly associated with monkeys. Banana, botanically referred to as Musa acuminata but called ayaba, unere, ọgẹdẹ and mboro, in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Efik/Ibibio respectively.

Not only is this fruit readily available in Nigerian open markets, supermarkets, fruit stalls and farms, but it also has lots of health benefits.

Banana contains elements and vitamins necessary for a balanced diet. Vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, carbohydrate, magnesium, calcium are a few examples of these. This makes it a must-eat-fruit in this era of Covid-19 to help build the body’s immune system, and prevent infection.

• 

• 

Bananas are known to have a high-calorie content of about 100kcal. This provides energy for the body, and prevents unhealthy frequent eating; preventing excessive weight gain, obesity and its associated diseases in the process.

In addition to preventing obesity, its high potassium and low sodium content lowers ones blood pressure and therefore, protects the hearts and blood vessels from cardiovascular diseases which are referred to as ‘silent killers’.

The high fibre content of banana plays a major role in the digestive health of the consumer. Fibres make intestinal movement regular and soft by absorbing water. The passing of hard stools are prevented and conditions such as constipation and intestinal obstruction.

• 

• 

Finally, the antioxidant effects of fruits cannot be overemphasized. This is mostly associated with its gallocatechin and vitamin content. Antioxidants are ‘free-radical scavengers’. They reduce cell and DNA damage preventing illnesses such as diabetes, heart conditions and even cancer.

I believe, it is not just ‘an apple a day’ that keeps the doctor away; banana does the same. It is recommended for people of all ages and could be taken at any time of the day.

How do you consume banana? As a fruit, as part of a snack recipe or cooked? Let’s know in the comment box.