Red bananas: fruit full of nutrition
Banana is a fruit widely consumed by all age groups. In some countries, banana is also used for various cooking purposes. Banana is a fruit which is available in various sizes and color. It is available in either green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when it gets ripened. Red banana is one of the bananas which is packed with nutrition. Let’s find about when to eat red bananas as well.
Red bananas appear to be a deep red or maroon when it ripens. It is best to eat them when they are unbruised and are slightly soft.
Red bananas contain more amount of beta carotene and Vitamin C as compared to yellow banana. There is also the presence of iron and potassium in it. If the fruit is redder then it denotes the presence of more amount of carotene and a higher level of Vitamin C which is true in the case of red bananas.
In a few days at room temperature, the red banana ripens out. They are best stored outside the refrigeration.
Truly the red banana is full of nutritional value and it has many health benefits.
Nutritional value on red bananas
Let’s see the nutritional value present on the red banana.
Red bananas provide essential nutrients. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 and also contain fiber.
In 100 grams of red banana following nutrients are present:
- 90 calories
- 21 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.3 grams of protein
- 0.3 gram of fat
- 3 gram of fiber
It also contains potassium Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and magnesium. It is called fruit full of nutrition due to the presence of high amounts of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and magnesium.
Health benefits of eating red bananas
There is a various benefit of eating a red banana. Some of the health benefits of eating red banana are described below:
1.Helps to lower high blood pressure
Heart health Potassium is an essential mineral as it plays important role in regulating blood pressure.
Research has shown that eating foods that are rich in potassium may help in reducing high blood pressure. Magnesium is another important mineral required to control blood pressure.
If you intake both magnesium and potassium then it will be more effective in reducing high blood pressure.
2. For Eyes
There is a presence of carotenoids in Red bananas. The carotenoids are the pigments that give the fruits their reddish color. There are two carotenoids in red bananas that help to keep your eye healthy. The two carotenoids are Lutein and beta carotene.
It was found that lutein may help to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is one of the incurable eye diseases. It has been found to be a leading cause of blindness. In a review of the six studies, it was found that if one eats food rich in lutein that it can reduce the risk of getting age-related macular degeneration by almost 26 percent.
Another important carotenoid present in red banana is beta carotene which is in more amount in a red banana than other varieties of banana. It supports eye health as it can be converted into Vitamin B in our body. Vitamin A is an important vitamin required for good eye health.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in most fruits and vegetables. Red banana also contains antioxidants.
Antioxidants are important compounds required in our body as they prevent damage at the cellular level caused by free radicals. They help to prevent excessive free radicals in our body which may lead to an imbalance called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to different diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The main antioxidants in red bananas are:
- Carotenoids
- Anthocyanins
- Vitamin C
- Dopamine
The antioxidants present in red banana may have protective health benefits. It was found in a systematic review that if there is an intake of anthocyanins then it can lead to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease almost by 9%
Consuming red banana may even lower your risk of having some chronic conditions.
4. Maintain a strong Immune System
Vitamins C and B6 are found in a red banana. For a strong immune system, these nutrients are essential.
Vitamin C is an important vitamin required to strengthen our immunity by making the cells of our immune system strong. It was also found lack of vitamin C can be linked with the increased incidence of the infection.
Vitamin B6 is also one of the vitamins found in red bananas which is important for our immune system. Its deficiency can lead to a decrease in the body’s production of white blood cells and antibodies which are necessary to fight against infection.
5. Digestive Health
The fibers and prebiotics present in red bananas help in digestive health. It supports the digestive system in many ways.
Your beneficial gut bacteria require Prebiotics which is a type of fiber. They are a great source of prebiotic fiber. The main type of prebiotic fiber found is Fructo-oligosaccharides. But there may be the presence of inulin as well. It helps to reduce bloating and constipation as well as aid the friendly bacteria present in the gut
6. Good Source of Fiber
There is a presence of 3 grams of fiber in a small red banana.
The digestive system is benefitted from Dietary fiber. It aids digestion by:
- It promotes regular bowel movements
- It helps to reduce inflammation in your gut
- It stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
- It may reduce the risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
When to eat red bananas?
Many people wonder when to eat red bananas. let find out about when to eat red bananas.
You can have a banana in the morning but not on an empty stomach as it is acidic in nature and has a high source of potassium and magnesium. If you want to take it in the early morning you can take it by missing it with cereals or milk.
You can eat at night but as it takes 2-3 hrs to digest you must take it before 2-3 before going to bed. It can make you tired and feel lethargy as well. You should avoid taking at night if you have a cough and cold. I think now you know about when to eat red bananas
How can we eat red bananas?
Red banana is easy to add to your diet and is delicious too. They are easy to go to snacks too.
Some ways to add it to diet are:
- You can add them to your smoothie.
- Can use them by slicing and adding them as toppings for oatmeal
- You can make homemade ice-cream from it
- It can be added to cakes, pancakes, or muffins.
Takeaway:
Banana is a fruit which is available in various sizes and colour. It is usually elongated and curved in structure. It is available in either green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when it gets ripened.
Red bananas appear to be a deep red or maroon when it ripens. It is best to eat them when they are unbruised and are slightly soft. Red bananas contain more amount of beta carotene and vitamin c as compared to yellow banana. There is also the presence of iron and potassium in it. It is a fruit packed with nutrition.
Many people wonder when to eat red bananas. I think after reading you know about when to eat red bananas.
