Most likely, the ripe, sweet bananas come to mind when you think of bananas. But the health benefits of raw bananas are equally strong when they are unripe. They are a game-changer for digestion, weight management, and general health because, unlike their sweet friends, they are loaded with resistant starch, fiber, and vital nutrients.
The health benefits of raw bananas, which range from promoting gut health to controlling blood sugar, are greatly underestimated. We’ll go over the nutritional value, main health advantages, and optimal ways to incorporate bananas into your diet in this blog.
What distinguishes them? It’s the incredible nutrients found in raw bananas. The raw nutrition of the banana consists of:
- Resistant starch– A special fibre that enhances digestion and aids in weight loss.
- Potassium – Sustains muscle and heart function.
- Vitamin C– Increases immunity and skin.
- Vitamin B6 – Required for brain function and metabolism.
- Magnesium – Aids muscle repair and bone development.
Given the abundance of nutrients found in raw bananas, it is not surprising that eating them has health benefits in many different areas.
13 Health Benefits of Raw Bananas
The reasons why you ought to consume raw bananas on a daily basis are as follows:
Gut Health: The ability of raw bananas to improve digestion is one of their biggest advantages. Resistance starch, a prebiotic found in raw bananas, provides nourishment for the good bacteria in your stomach. Through food digestion and nutrient absorption, these helpful bacteria help avoid gas, bloating, and constipation. Additionally, a healthy gut microbiome prevents digestive disorders and boosts immunity.
Weight Loss: Raw bananas can help you lose weight while following a diet. You can avoid overindulging in sugary snacks by eating raw bananas because of their high fiber and resistant starch content. Raw bananas contain complex carbohydrates, which digest more slowly than ripe bananas and ensure a steady metabolism. Ripe bananas contain more sugar. Raw bananas also prevent insulin spikes, which causes fat to be stored.
Blood Sugar Levels: Raw bananas are a wise dietary choice for diabetics or those who are insulin resistant. Resistant starch, which is present in raw banana nutrients, takes time to break down the carbohydrates. This prevents abrupt peaks and valleys by causing a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. Regular consumption increases insulin sensitivity, enabling the body to naturally regulate blood sugar levels.
Improves Heart Health: Potassium, a mineral that helps maintain blood pressure, is abundant in raw bananas. Potassium reduces heart workload and regulates sodium levels in the body to prevent high blood pressure. By reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol), raw banana nutrients also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Controls Digestive Health: Incorporating raw bananas into your diet can be magical if you have digestive issues. A high fiber content lowers the chance of constipation and guarantees easy digestion. Their resistant starch, meanwhile, acts as a natural equalizer, soothing the digestive system and preventing bloating and diarrhea. They also contain a lot of tannins, which have mild astringent properties that help relieve loose stools.
Strengthens Bones: Magnesium, a mineral that increases calcium absorption and bone density, is abundant in raw bananas. Raw bananas are also beneficial for preventing osteoporosis and ensuring healthy bones during old age. Because it is necessary for the health of bones and muscles as a whole and has the function of contracting and relaxing muscles, magnesium is needed.
Reduces Inflammation: The majority of chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, are brought on by inflammation. Antioxidants and vitamin C, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, can be found in abundance in raw bananas. By combating free radicals, reducing aging, and improving overall health, raw bananas shield the body from cell damage.
Helps Control Diarrhoea: One of the primary advantages of eating fresh bananas is that they are an effective way to treat diarrhea. The high pectin and tannin content of raw bananas helps to compact loose motions by drawing out excess water from the intestines. In the process, their electrolytes are also lost and must be replaced. This explains why raw bananas are specifically recommended as just an organic, unprocessed treatment for diarrhea in traditional medical practices.
Keeps Kidney Stones Away: When calcium and other mineral resources tend to accumulate in the kidneys, kidney stones can result. By ensuring that too much calcium is eliminated through the urine instead of stored and trying to form stones, potassium, which is present in raw bananas, helps to prevent that. They also contain magnesium, which helps to keep kidneys healthy and reduce the risk of UTIs.
Offers Long-Term Energy: Raw bananas are a sustained source of energy, in contrast to candies that crush energy. They provide energy all day long thanks to their complex carbohydrates, which digest slowly. Because it gives you the energy you need without raising your blood sugar levels too much, this is the ideal pre-workout meal.
Supports Skin Health: Additionally, raw bananas are good for your skin! Vitamin C and antioxidants found in raw bananas combat free radicals, preventing premature aging, preserving firmness and luster, and inducing the production of collagen, which in turn enhances skin elasticity and healing. Using mashed raw bananas as a face pack helps reduce dryness, redness, and acne.
Aids Muscle Recovery: Raw bananas can be your last resort if you experience muscle cramps or pain after daily exercise. Magnesium and potassium, which are found in raw bananas, are important for muscle repair because they reduce cramping and inflammation. Raw bananas are consumed by athletes and health-conscious individuals to improve muscle function and speed up recovery from exercise.
Naturally Gluten-Free: For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, raw bananas make a great alternative to regular grains. Banana flour made from raw bananas is gluten-free and used as a great substitute for wheat flour in cooking. Raw bananas are thus a good and versatile source of sustenance for individuals seeking to do away with gluten intake yet achieve the taste of scrumptious and healthy foods.
How to Eat Raw Bananas?
- Raw Banana Chips– Slice thinly and bake or fry as a crispy snack.
- Raw Banana Curry– Sauteed with spices and coconut milk as a filling meal.
- Mashed Raw Banana– Steam and mash them as a nutritious alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Raw Banana Stir-Fry– Saute with garlic, onions, and spices as a tasty side.
- Raw Banana Flour– Use it as a gluten-free flour for baking.
You should include raw bananas in your diet because they are a nutritional powerhouse. It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of eating raw bananas, which include heart and digestive health support as well as improved insulin sensitivity. They are rich in resistant starch, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, and offer a special blend of nutrients that support general health.
