I believe that you must have seen Chinese badminton player, Chen Long and Indian badminton player Sindhu, won after eating bananas at Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Hence, many people are curious about the "power" of bananas. Let's know more about the nutritional value of bananas and the taboo of eating bananas.

#1. Good For Cardiovascular Health

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), high-potassium and low-sodium foods can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. A banana contains about 400 to 450 mg of potassium, which helps maintain blood pressure and fight atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries).

#2. Anti-Cancer

Bananas contain ingredients that increase white blood cells and promote the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF). The researcher Masari Yamazaki of the University of Tokyo pointed out that the more dark spots on the banana skin, the higher the nutritional value the bananas have. The fructooligosaccharides of bananas can support good bacteria in the intestines, reduce the retention of carcinogens (agents with the capacity to cause cancer in humans).

#3. Fight Against Oxidation Stress & Free Radical Damage After Exercise

Carbohydrates are very important for athletes because it is the main energy source and a necessary nutrient for the complete burning of fat. Vigorous or excessive exercise can induce oxidative stress, cause free radical damage and cause inflammation.

Bananas are rich in sugars, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients that have antioxidant functions. If eaten half an hour before exercise, it will help the body store energy. It is advisable to eat bananas after exercise because bananas can provide glycogen (needed by muscles), potassium, and magnesium to fight against the oxidative stress caused by exercise. This is why we often see athletes eating bananas on the court.

#4. Anti-stress/ Stabilise Your Mood

Bananas are rich in tryptophan and vitamin B6, which can help the brain produce serotonin, stabilize the mood and make people happy. In addition, tyrosine can increase the secretion of dopamine in the brain, thereby improving creative thinking ability.

#5. Solve Constipation Problem

Bananas contain fibre and fructooligosaccharides, which can promote the growth of intestinal beneficial bacteria and defecation. In addition, banana pectin and other water-soluble fibres can absorb water and improve diarrhoea problems. Potassium and magnesium can also help replenish electrolytes lost by diarrhoea.

#6. Stabilizing Appetite & Helps To Lose Weight

Bananas are rich in monosaccharides such as fructose and glucose, which can maintain the stability of blood sugar, thereby helping to stabilize appetite and effective weight management.

Although there are many benefits to eating bananas, remember to pay attention to the following taboos!

⛔ Avoid Eating Raw Bananas

Only ripe bananas have the effect of smoothening bowel movements. Raw bananas contain more tannins, which can inhibit the secretion of gastrointestinal juice and inhibit its peristalsis. Excessive intake will cause constipation or worsen the condition of constipation.

⛔ Avoid Eating On An Empty Stomach

Bananas cannot be eaten in large quantities on an empty stomach. If a large amount of potassium and magnesium in bananas are taken in, it will be detrimental to health. Try not to consume exceeding 3000 mg of bananas per day.

⛔ People With High Blood Sugar Should Avoid Eating Bananas

Every 100 grams of bananas contains nearly 20 grams of sugar, so it is not suitable for people with high blood sugar. If you eat bananas for a long time or in large quantities, it will slow down blood circulation and cause accumulation of metabolites, which will aggravate discomfort.

⛔ Avoid Eating Bananas With These 4 Foods

❌ Eating bananas together with cantaloupe can cause kidney failure and aggravation of joint patients.

❌ Combination of elements contained in the bananas and potatoes will produce certain toxins that can cause spots.

❌ Eating bananas together with taro will cause abdominal distension and poisoning.

❌ Eating too many sweet potatoes with bananas will cause the food to stay in the stomach for a long time, causing stomach discomfort.