Eating Bananas Everyday Can Prevent Heart Attack, Strokes: Study

Eating bananas on a daily basis could prevent heart attacks and strokes, a new study has found.

Bananas are rich in potassium and such foods help in preventing arteries from hardening and also reduce the risk of blockages.

For their study, researchers at the University of Alabama conducted some experiments on mice. During the experiment, they fed the mice low, normal and high levels of potassium for a specific period. They found out that the arteries of those mice that they fed less potassium diet became harder.

On the other hand, the mice that were fed high levels of potassium had less artery hardening.

Similarly, in humans, potassium works wonders if consumed in sufficient amount. It can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, too much consumption of the mineral might cause stomach ache, nausea as well as diarrhea.

Dr. Mike Knapton from the British Heart Foundation in an interview with the Sun said that consuming less potassium might harden one’s arteries. “With more research, we might be able to see if the disease forms in humans in a similar way and develop treatments,” he said.

Here are some of the other health benefits of bananas, courtesy Healthline.com:

Bananas contain a lot of nutrients. Apart from potassium, they contain fiber as well as several antioxidants, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Copper and as well as proteins.

1. Not many people would know that bananas contain nutrients that help in moderating blood sugar level. They rank low on the glycemic index which measures blood sugar levels in an individual. However, those suffering from diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming bananas in large quantities.
2. Bananas are good for improving digestive health.
3. Those trying to lose weight can consume this fruit as it has low calories. Not only is it nutritious, but it is also very filling. One can have bananas as a mid-time snack.
4. They lower the risk of heart attacks and help you in maintaining healthy blood pressure level.
5. Ripe bananas are good for health. However, unripe bananas have also proved to improve insulin sensitivity in a person. Unripe bananas have 15 to 30 grams of starch in them and, therefore, they improve insulin sensitivity.
6. Those suffering from kidney stone problems should also consume bananas four to six times a week and it may keep them away from health problems.

One can easily include banana in their daily diet. Here are some tips, courtesy Medical News Today:

1. You can add a sliced banana to your breakfast meal.
2. You can mash ripe bananas and consume it with milk as a part of your breakfast routine.
3. One can even peel ripe bananas and freeze it as an addition to your milkshake or smoothie.

In whichever way you want, it is a good habit to include a banana in your diet every day for a healthy life.