Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas have been the subject of many studies evaluating their potential health benefits — particularly studies looking at the minerals of which they are a rich source. Some of the most well-researched potential benefits of bananas include:

May be protective for heart health.

A large body of research tells us that low levels of potassium in your body have a strong correlation to the risk of higher blood pressure. But the good news is that getting enough potassium — by eating potassium-rich foods — can help maintain your blood pressure at healthy levels. Potassium may also protect blood vessels from thickening and becoming damaged from atherosclerosis. And bananas are one of the most potassium-rich foods in the human diet.

They are also a good source of magnesium, a mineral known to play a role in heart health. Research indicates that magnesium deficiency correlates with high blood pressure and high levels of blood fats, for example.

You’ll also find antioxidants like catechins and dopamine in bananas, which have been studied for their potential to lower heart disease risk.

Excerpt from The Food Revolution