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Food Focus: Banana
Logan Cable avatar
Written by Logan Cable
Updated over a year ago


The Benefits of Eating Bananas

The banana is an amazing source of fiber and vitamins and it comes in its own natural, easy-to-open packaging! It is the most commonly purchased fruit in the country and for good reason! Bananas are inexpensive, available, and appeal to almost everyone. It's great for your blood sugar, too! Bananas are very low on the glycemic index and contain multiple types of fiber, like pectin, which help regulate blood sugar.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only can a banana give you steady energy but it is also high in the following vitamins and minerals:

  • Potassium: Can regulate blood pressure and aid in heart health

  • Vitamin B6: Improves mood and promotes brain health, it has also been found to help with fatigue caused by PMS

  • Vitamin C: supports healthy immune system function and tissue repair
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Bananas & Sensitivity

Even though bananas are incredibly popular, many people experience sensitivity to them.

Symptoms

Those experiencing sensitivity to bananas may have the following symptoms:

  • Itching of throat and mouth

  • Hives

  • Swollen tongue

  • Drop-in blood pressure

  • Cramps

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

Diagnosing Banana Sensitivity

If you experience any of the above symptoms when consuming bananas, contact a doctor for diagnosis and advice. Seeking medical advice is the best way to confirm if you have sensitivity and to get guidance on managing symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary and may order a food panel test to rule out any other issues.

Endless Options

Ripe or unripe, alone or in recipes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy bananas! You can have them as a fruit snack or add them to a smoothie. If you are feeling creative, you can use bananas as a flour substitute in baked goods or pancakes! Pan-frying banana slices with a drizzle of honey and cinnamon is a quick, easy dessert that can satisfy any sweet tooth - Enjoy!

Conclusion

Bananas are an incredibly healthy food choice and are a great source of necessary vitamins and minerals. Not only are they a good source of energy, but they also help regulate blood sugar levels.

When it comes to bananas, if you experience sensitivity it's important to contact a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get a treatment plan. However, if you don't have a sensitivity, enjoy eating bananas as part of a healthy diet and you can reap the benefits of this delicious and healthy fruit.

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