Yellow bananas are the popular kind of bananas that people always hear about and consume. Red bananas, on the other hand, are quite unknown and similar in nutrition. For the unversed, red bananas are one of the best ways to keep your heart health in check. These fruits contain high amounts of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fibre that contribute significantly to cardiovascular well-being.
We got in touch with our expert, Pooja Singh, a Dietician at ShardaCare, Health City - Noida, to find out the heart-healthy benefits of adding red bananas to our diet. Here is what she shared with us.
1. Rich in Potassium for Healthy Blood Pressure
Potassium has been known to be very important in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It helps balance sodium, which is found in the body, hence reducing the tension of walls of blood vessels and allowing the free flow of blood in the body. Thus, eating red bananas, helps one avoid developing hypertension as it greatly contributes to heart disease.
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2. Rich in Fibre for Cholesterol Management
Dietary fibre is essential for heart health, and red bananas are an excellent source of it. The soluble fibre found in red bananas helps reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by binding with cholesterol molecules and removing them from the body. Expert Pooja explained that this action prevents plaque buildup in the arteries, thereby lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
3. Rich in Antioxidants as a Source for CVD Prevention
Red bananas include antioxidants like carotenoids and anthocyanins and more vitamin C compared to regular yellow bananas. Thus, they mitigate oxidative stress along with inflammation-related heart diseases because oxidative damage reduction prevents arterial stiffening and failure of the endothelium.
4. Healthy Levels of Blood Sugars
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for heart health. Red bananas have a lower glycemic index compared to some other fruits, meaning they provide a steady release of energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing cardiovascular complications related to high blood sugar.
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5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One issue that is not typically considered when dealing with heart issues is stress or anxiety. However, red bananas do have tryptophan, the amino acid for serotonin production commonly known term as the ‘feel-good hormone.’ A balanced and calm psychological state may keep blood pressure relatively low and is a contributing element to reduced incidence of heart problems.
Including Red Bananas in Your Diet
Expert Pooja shared that the use of red bananas in your diet is easy and delicious. Simply enjoy them whole, blend them into smoothies, slice them over yoghurt, or mix them into oatmeal. Their flavour is sweet with a berry undertone, which makes them quite tasty and healthy to add to any meal.
Bottomline
Red bananas are a fruit that will catch your attention because of their striking colour; however, these fruits are rich in heart-healthy nutrients. They regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall cardiovascular health. Next time you come across red bananas at your local market, grab a bunch to give your heart the care it deserves!