Is banana good for weight loss? The Japanese claim that the “Asa Banana Diet” where you eat only bananas for breakfast helps you lose weight quickly, but your grandmother may disagree. When it comes to bananas and weight management, there is no general consensus. So let’s know more about how this delicious fruit can help you lose weight!’
What are the Advantages of Bananas for Weight Loss?
They contain a lot of fibre, which can fill you up.
A good source of dietary fibre is bananas (5.6 percent of daily requirement per 100 g). High fibre content slows down digestion and makes you feel fuller for longer, which might stop you from overeating and snacking.
They aid with digestion.
Bananas are a good source of prebiotics and fibre, both of which assist digestion. Foods called prebiotics promote the development of bacteria that are good for your gut. Thus, bananas can aid in the treatment of diarrhoea, improve digestion, and reduce constipation. You might lose weight more quickly if you have a healthy digestive system.
Unripe bananas’ resistant starch is beneficial for reducing body fat.
Bananas that are green, unripe, or uncooked are advantageous for weight reduction since they contain a lot of resistant starch. Similar to dietary fibre, resistant starch resists digestion in the stomach and small intestine. It may cause the production of peptides that reduce your appetite, enhance insulin sensitivity, and encourage your body to burn fat that has been accumulated. The amount of resistant starch in bananas starts to decrease as they mature.
They are a healthy pre- and post-workout alternative to energy drinks. Bananas are a wonderful source of energy and electrolytes and may be used in place of energy drinks. Due to the high levels of sugar in most energy and sports drinks
What is the Best Time to Eat Bananas for Weight Loss?
- Start your mornings with a banana
Incorporating a banana into your breakfast can give you an energy boost and also prevent mid-morning hunger pangs.
- Have a banana as a post-workout snack
Eating a banana after exercise can restore the lost electrolytes, prevent sugar cravings and replenish energy.
- Replace your dessert with a banana
Most desserts are usually loaded with empty calories and carbohydrates. Replacing them with a banana can help you satisfy your cravings while supplying your body with essential nutrients.
Four Fun Ways to Include Bananas in Your Diet
Make a banana and berry smoothie.
A healthy smoothie made from frozen bananas, berries, and yoghurt may take the place of your morning meal. This beverage can increase your metabolism and prolong your feeling of fullness.
Mix them in with a fruit salad.
A fruit salad comprised of bananas and other seasonal fruits might take the place of your snacks or sweets. You may eat less empty calories as a result of this.
Make a sandwich with banana and nut butter.
By substituting banana slices and peanut or almond butter for the jam and butter, you may make a more wholesome and nutrient-dense version of the sandwich.
Enjoy a banana by yourself.
Bananas are a delectable and readily absorbed fruit that may even be savoured plain because they are sufficiently sweet.
Other Health Benefits of Bananas?
- The high potassium in bananas can help lower your blood pressure levels.
- The potassium in bananas can also prevent muscle cramps, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration.
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in bananas can help relieve nerve pain.
- The antioxidants in bananas can counter the cell damage caused by free radicals.