Do bananas aid in weight loss?
Bananas are a healthy add on to a balanced diet, as they provide a range of vital nutrients and are a good source of fibre. Bananas do not directly help in weight loss but their innate goodness help in reducing bloating, appetite control and sugar craving.
Bananas are a rich source of fibre, fibre rich foods aid in weight loss, they also help in stabilisation of blood sugar levels. It makes people feel full for a longer duration and thereby reduces the hunger pangs. Fibre also helps in lowering cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. Unripe banana is starch resistant, hence the carbohydrate does not easily break in the small intestine, it makes way to the large intestine and does not increase the blood sugar levels. It further gets fermented in the large intestine and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Consuming more starch resistant food helps people in losing weight as it makes them feel full and suppresses their hunger. Bananas are also a rich source of potassium, which is extremely essential for the body. A medium banana contains 422 mgtrustedSource of potassium, which is equal to about 12% of the recommended daily intake. Potassium helps in maintaining the Sodium levels in the human body, which in return prevents heart diseases and strokes. It also safeguards the kidney and reduces risks of kidney stones.A medium sized banana houses 32 mg magnesium, which accounts for 8% of the recommended daily consumption. Magnesium is required for energy production, nervous system function, and the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.The flavonoids and magnesium in bananas help in insulin sensitivity.Bananas are a great source of energy, and can work as great energy booster if had as a pre-work out food.
Nutrition
The precise nutritional content of a banana varies depending on its size. A medium banana, measuring 7–8 inchesTrusted Source in length, contains:
  • energy: 105 kcal
  • protein: 1.29 g
  • fiber: 3.07 g
  • carbohydrates: 27 g
  • fat: 0.39 g
  • potassium: 422 mg
  • magnesium: 31.90 mg
  • phosphorus: 26 mg
  • calcium: 5.90 mg
  • vitamin C: 10.30 mg
  • iron: 0.31 mg
  • folate: 23.60 micrograms (µg)
Bananas also contain small amounts of vitamin A, E, and K.
Source: Pinterest
While bananas do not specifically affect weight loss, they do have properties that can help a person manage their body weight,because of their high fibre content. Unripe bananas contain resistant starch, which can help make people feel fuller for longer periods. This satiety may aid weight loss by reducing the tendency to overeat.Overall, people looking to lose weight should consider how many calories they are taking in compared with the number of calories that they are burning.Bananas are healthy and nutritious to eat in moderation and should be made part of a balanced diet.

Posted By Mr. Subhabrata Bhattacharjee, Lifestyle Coach, Founder Director, Mantra

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