What health and sports benefits does Xuan Son's favorite banana cake bring?

A series of photos capturing the moment footballer Nguyen Xuan Son bought fried banana fritters on the sidewalk, posted on social media, immediately went viral. Many wondered why the Brazilian-born player was so fond of this simple street food.

Fisherman Nguyen Xuan Son and his wife wait to buy banana cake - Illustration photo

Following impressive performances by the Vietnamese national team in recent matches at the ASEAN Cup 2024, Nguyen Xuan Son has emerged as a "social media phenomenon," attracting widespread attention from the Vietnamese fan community.

In particular, a series of candid photos capturing the simple moments of Xuan Son riding a motorbike and waiting to buy banana cake on the sidewalk in Nam Dinh city were posted on social media and immediately went viral. Many people were delighted because this is a familiar food for many Vietnamese people, especially in winter.

Reportedly, the street vendor selling fried banana fritters that Xuan Son visited belongs to Pham Thi Thu Ha (33 years old), and has been operating for nearly 3 years. It is located at the intersection of Nguyen Du Street, opposite Nguyen Khuyen High School in Nam Dinh City.

The shop owner confirmed that footballer Xuan Son and his family often come to buy fried banana cakes. "A few months ago, a sister of footballer Xuan Son ordered banana cakes and asked me to deliver them to her house. Since then, the couple has regularly come to buy fried banana cakes."

"When he doesn't have any competitions scheduled, Xuan Son comes to buy banana cakes almost every afternoon. If he's busy, his wife buys them. Each time they buy about 10 cakes, sometimes more," Ms. Ha recounted.

The owner uses Cavendish bananas to make banana cakes - Illustration photo.

The banana fritters at this shop are made using a Malaysian recipe. The bananas used are dwarf bananas, which have a distinctive sweet and fragrant flavor. The batter used is Malaysian flour, which gives the banana fritters a crispy crust while keeping them soft and easy to eat.

Goong bananas are considered the best-tasting banana variety among more than 30 varieties in Vietnam. They are called Goong bananas because in the past they were a dessert served after the royal meal (when the king ate).

The Cavendish banana tree resembles the seeded banana or honey banana tree, but its trunk is smaller and more slender. The fruit is 10-12.5 cm long, about the size of a thumb, light yellow in color, with 12-20 fruits per bunch and 10-14 bunches per cluster. The peel is thin and smooth, the flesh is yellow, and it tastes very sweet and fragrant.

Banana cake is a popular and rustic dish enjoyed by many - Illustration photo

The health benefits of bananas

Speaking to reporters about the benefits of the banana cake that footballer Xuan Son consumes, Dr. Quach Tuan Vinh ( Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association ) said that Cavendish bananas and other ripe banana varieties are common and easily available fruits, favored for their high nutritional content and comprehensive health benefits.

With their ability to provide quick energy, ripe bananas have become an ideal food for athletes, especially players and those engaged in high-intensity physical activity.

Dr. Vinh explained that ripe bananas contain many important nutrients: Carbohydrates, with 22.8g/100g of banana, and natural sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose), which help provide energy quickly;

Fiber helps improve digestion and stabilize blood sugar; its high water content, approximately 75%, helps maintain hydration and replenish fluids lost during high-intensity physical activity.

In addition, ripe bananas contain a variety of vitamins such as vitamin C, B6, and A. Vitamin B6 supports protein metabolism and hemoglobin production; vitamin C strengthens the immune system and reduces oxidative stress; and vitamin A supports vision.

The micronutrients found in bananas are also quite important for health; for example, potassium helps balance electrolytes, reduce the risk of cramps, and stabilize blood pressure.

Potassium is often referred to as the ginseng of the heart, helping to strengthen the heart's contractile capacity to meet the demands of physical activity. Magnesium reduces muscle fatigue and enhances nerve function. Manganese supports energy metabolism.

In particular, ripe bananas are rich in antioxidants such as catechin and dopamine, which help reduce inflammation and protect cells.

Bananas also help improve athletic performance, providing quick and sustained energy, making them suitable for athletes. This is why tennis players often eat bananas after a set.

Why do athletes and people who engage in physical activity often eat bananas?

Doctor Vinh stated that numerous scientific studies have proven the benefits of bananas:

Athletic performance: A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research (2012) indicated that eating bananas before and during exercise helps increase energy and reduce muscle tension.

Improved cardiovascular health: Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that the potassium in bananas helps reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.

Improved digestion : Bananas contain inulin, a type of fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Stabilizes blood sugar: Bananas have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for people who need to control their blood sugar.

Ripe bananas are considered a quick energy boost because they are digested rapidly, providing glucose to maintain energy levels during competition, making them an ideal choice before, during, and after training or competition.

Eating bananas can help prevent muscle cramps, a common occurrence during competition, due to their high potassium content which helps maintain electrolyte balance, and magnesium and vitamin B6 which support muscle function.

Recovery after training and competition is aided by its carbohydrate content, which replenishes glycogen, and its vitamin C and antioxidants, which help reduce muscle inflammation.

Increased endurance for athletes has been demonstrated through several studies showing that eating bananas during prolonged exercise is as effective as sports drinks.

"Ripe bananas are a natural and healthy food, offering many health benefits, especially for those with high levels of physical activity. This effect has been confirmed through scientific research; however, they need to be consumed appropriately to maximize benefits and avoid unwanted side effects," emphasized Dr. Vinh.

Here are some ways ripe bananas can be used to supplement the diet of athletes:

Banana cake: Besides the main ingredient of ripe bananas, it also contains a quantity of flour and cooking oil, providing plenty of energy, fiber, and fat, making it suitable as a snack for athletes or sports players…

Banana jam: Provides instant energy, suitable as a snack when you need to increase endurance.

Banana smoothie with milk or oatmeal: Provides hydration, energy, and protein to support muscle recovery.

Dried bananas: Lightweight, easy to carry, and provide a quick energy boost during competition or training.

Notes on using bananas

Avoid eating too many bananas: Eating too many bananas can lead to excess potassium, affecting kidney function.

People with allergies or digestive disorders: Some people may experience bloating or indigestion if they eat bananas on an empty stomach.

Players should choose the right time to eat bananas: Eating them 30 minutes before or immediately after a match is most effective.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mon-banh-chuoi-ma-xuan-son-yeu-thich-mang-lai-loi-ich-gi-cho-suc-khoe-va-the-thao-20250101201646257.htm