Bananas For Weight Loss: YAY or NAY?

Banana: Nutritional Profile

Bananas are a great source of potassium, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The following is the nutritional information for 100 grams of slightly ripe and overripe bananas.

What are the Advantages of Bananas for Weight Loss?

• Their high fiber content can make you feel full

Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber (5.6% of daily requirement per 100 g). High fiber content slows down digestion and keeps you full for a longer period of time, which can prevent snacking and overeating. 

• They are good for digestion

Bananas are rich in fiber and prebiotics, which help ease digestion. Prebiotics are foods that help in the growth of gut-friendly bacteria. Thus bananas can relieve constipation, improve digestion, and help in treating diarrhea. A healthy digestive system can help you lose weight faster.

• The resistant starch in unripe bananas is good for fat loss

Green, unripe or raw bananas are good for weight loss as they are high in resistant starch. Resistant starch withstands digestion in the stomach and small intestine, and has similar properties to dietary fiber. It can trigger the release of peptides that make you feel less hungry, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote the burning of stored fat in your body. As bananas ripen, the concentration of resistant starch in them starts to diminish. 

• They are a nutritious substitute for energy drinks pre and post-workout

Bananas are a great source of energy and electrolytes, and can be consumed instead of energy drinks before and after exercising. As most energy and sports drinks have high amounts of added sugars and caffeine, substituting them with a banana can help lower the number of calories you consume. 

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

• Whip up a banana berry smoothie

Replace your breakfast with a nutritious smoothie made of frozen bananas, berries and yogurt. This drink can boost your metabolism and also help you stay full for a longer time.

• Add them to a fruit salad

Replace your snacks or desserts with a fruit salad made of bananas and other seasonal fruits. This can help you eat fewer empty calories. 

• Make a nut butter and banana sandwich

Make a healthier and more nutritious version of jam and butter sandwiches by replacing them with banana slices and peanut or almond butter. 

• Enjoy a banana by its lonesome

Bananas are delicious and easily digestible fruit that are sweet enough to be eaten without any added toppings and can even be enjoyed by people who have diabetes or hypertension.

What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Banana for Weight Loss?

Like any food, eating too many bananas can cause health problems:

• The high sugar content in bananas can spike your blood sugar levels.
• The high fiber content in bananas can cause bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, etc.
• The high sugars, calories and carbohydrates in bananas can cause weight gain.

Are Bananas a Good Option for Weight Loss?

Although bananas have a high fiber content that can help you stay full for a longer time, they are high in sugars, which can make you gain weight if eaten in excess. There are several other fruits like berries, apples, oranges, peaches, etc., that have higher fiber content and lower sugar and calorie content in comparison.

What are the 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.