Bananas are a popular breakfast fruit and snack as they are known for their high vitamin count and slow release energy – but is it healthy to eat them every single day?
Bananas are undoubtedly one of the UK’s most popular fruits – now a experts have broken down exactly what happens when you eat one every day.
With their bright yellow colour, soft creamy texture and natural packaging, bananas are a favourite snack for many. They can also be added into a wide range of breakfasts, from smoothies to pancakes, as well as packing a punch when it comes to vitamins. Bananas are famously high in potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals.
But is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Nutrition experts from the Times of India have revealed exactly what happens when you eat a banana for breakfast every day.
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One of the first you may feel is a gentle boost of energy, thanks to the banana’s natural carbs and B vitamins. Even better, their fibre content helps slow sugar absorption, preventing energy slumps throughout the day.
The fibre comes with other benefits too. Depending on ripeness, bananas generally contain between 3 to 5 grams of fibre – aiding healthy bowel movements.
Bananas’ high potassium count means they help flush out sodium and relax your blood vessels. According to the Times of India: “You’re essentially giving your heart and muscles a real morning pep talk.”
Not only that, but bananas are known to boost your mood. They contain Vitamin B6 and Tryptophan, which are precursors to the “happy hormones” serotonin and dopamine.
They also pack plenty of other important nutrients like Vitamin C, antioxidants and manganese, which all help keep your immune system strong.
Of course, potassium and manganese also happen to be electrolytes, which prevent cramps and aid in recovery – essentially making bananas the perfect pre or post workout snack.
But, unfortunately for banana-fans, it’s not all good news. There are some factors which may not make these yellow fruits the ideal snack for everyone. For example, they have a relatively high sugar content, which means they can cause a crash if eaten just on their own.
Similarly, too much potassium can be problematic for people with certain conditions. The Times of India advise that if you have a kidney disease or are on certain medications that affect potassium levels, a daily banana can be potentially harmful.
Lastly, some bananas, particularly those that are very ripe, may be quite high in tyramine. This can trigger a headache for some people – in which case, it’s best to opt for less ripe bananas.