The effect of bananas on digestion is beneficial, in addition to its numerous other effects. It is a very popular fruit, partly because it is extremely delicious, nutritious, and available all year round. Due to its high nutritional value, it is helpful to consume bananas during physical exertion or weakened conditions. It is recommended for all age groups, as the beneficial effects of bananas have an impact on everyone’s body.
The effect of bananas on digestion can be both positive and negative. Let’s see what these are!
1. Positive effects of bananas on digestion
Bananas are one of the recommended components of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) often recommended after digestive disorders and diarrhea. After illnesses accompanied by diarrhea, bananas are beneficial not only due to their favorable fiber content but also because they help replenish fluids and electrolytes and restore the intestinal flora.
Bananas have an antacid effect, protecting against gastric ulcers and stomach acid. The latter is a result of bananas stimulating cell proliferation, thus thickening the gastric mucosa.
Unripe, especially green bananas, are particularly rich in indigestible starch, which has a prebiotic effect. This means that it does not serve as a source of nutrition for humans but is beneficial for the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Prebiotics reduce insulin resistance, which is important in terms of diabetes.
In addition, prebiotics have numerous known beneficial effects, ranging from inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer to cardiovascular diseases, and the list continues to grow.
2. Negative effects of bananas on digestion
Although bananas are generally helpful in relieving constipation, if they are not ripe enough and we consume insufficient water afterward, they can have the opposite effect. Moreover, they can cause not only constipation but also bloating and abdominal cramps. It is worth noting their effects on infants; in case of bloating or constipation, it is recommended to reduce the amount or exclude bananas from the child’s diet.
Banana allergy can also cause various stomach problems for those who are sensitive to it. It often occurs in cross-allergies. Usually, it only involves some itching, small rashes, redness, occasional abdominal pain, or vomiting, but in extreme cases, fainting can occur as well. Particularly, individuals allergic to ragweed or latex should be cautious after consuming bananas, as they are more likely to experience allergic reactions to the fruit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana
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