Bananas are a fruit rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, antioxidants and many other phytonutrients. A medium-sized banana provides up to 9% of daily potassium needs, according to the site Eating Well (America).
Potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of stroke and promoting heart health. Combining bananas and a healthy diet can provide many benefits for overall health. Antioxidants found in bananas, such as catechins, help reduce the risk of heart disease and macular degeneration.
Bananas are also a rich source of energy. Thanks to that, they become an ideal snack for people who practice sports. Although bananas are often considered a health food, some people may need to limit their banana intake.
The first subjects to mention are people with end-stage kidney failure. They need to closely monitor their potassium intake because high potassium intake can be dangerous for people with kidney disease.
Another group of people who need to limit or even avoid eating bananas is people with diabetes. Monitoring the amount of starch in the daily diet is very important in efforts to control blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Although bananas contain carbs and can increase blood sugar, they also have fiber and nutrients that benefit overall health. Eaten in small or moderate amounts, bananas will be a suitable choice for people with diabetes.
Freshly ripened green bananas, which are not fully ripe, can even help improve insulin sensitivity and contribute to blood sugar regulation. This benefit is due to the high resistant starch content in this banana. However, once you eat bananas, you need to consider reducing the amount of starch in your meal to avoid blood sugar spikes.
People with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, may need to limit or avoid bananas. High-fiber foods like bananas can cause gas, bloating, and stomach cramps in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Meanwhile, the fructose content in bananas can worsen symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. People who are allergic or sensitive to bananas should also avoid eating bananas, according to Eating Well.