Although bananas are very popular, some people still don’t eat them, because they have more carbohydrates and sugar than many other fruits. So, is it healthy?

5 health benefits of eating a banana every day

Bananas are rich in potassium.

According to the Department of Health (National Institutes of Health), a medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium, which is about 12 percent of the human daily requirement.

The body needs a lot of potassium to function properly. This electrolyte helps muscles contract, strengthens nerves, transfers nutrients to cells, and regulates the heart rate and sodium in the body. When potassium is not taken in enough, it increases the risk of blood pressure and kidney stones. It can also make people feel weak and tired, and even cause muscle spasms.

Bananas can help retain moisture.

After exercise, potassium helps regulate the body’s water balance, especially the loss of electrolytes (such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium). According to the International Society for Sports Nutrition (International Society of Sports Nutrition), changes in intracellular potassium occur after moderate to vigorous exercise, so athletes are advised to eat potassium-rich foods after exercise to offset these imbalances.

Bananas are good for the stomach and intestines

A medium-sized banana has 3 grams of fiber (about 10 percent of your daily needs), and it also contains probiotics that help the good bacteria in your gut (also known as probiotics) thrive. These good bacteria will improve digestion, shorten the time it takes to catch a cold, and even help you lose weight.

Bananas are good for your heart.

Studies have shown that high potassium intake is associated with a substantial reduction in blood pressure levels and a lower risk of stroke, because potassium helps to remove excess sodium from urine and reduces potential damage to the heart.

Bananas can help kidney health

The study also found that women who consumed 4099 mg or more of potassium per day had a 35% lower risk of kidney stones than those who consumed less than 2407 mg of potassium, because potassium also helps to eliminate excess calcium in the body, which is the main component of kidney stones.