There are more than a thousand different varieties of bananas worldwide, and the red banana is one of the most popular.
Red bananas (Musa acuminate) are native to Southeast Asia and have a sweet raspberry-like flavor in addition to being nutrient-rich, inexpensive, and beneficial for health. Health benefits range from immune system support to improved digestion.
Learn about the health benefits of red bananas and how they differ from yellow ones.
9 health benefits of red bananas
1. Boosts immunity
Red bananas are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. These powerful antioxidants help fight free radical damage and strengthen the immune system to protect against infections and disease-causing microbes.
2. Improves digestion
Red bananas can prevent constipation due to their high fiber content. Fiber improves digestive health by promoting bowel movement regularity and reducing gut inflammation. It also helps stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria.
3. Eases heartburn
Red bananas have an anti-acidity effect and can calm an upset stomach as well as treat persistent heartburn.
4. Promotes heart health
Red bananas are high in potassium and magnesium, which reduce the harmful effects of sodium and lowers blood pressure. This can help lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other types of heart disease.
5. Boost energy
Natural sugars found in red bananas include fructose, sucrose, and glucose which can provide you with a burst of energy (due to sugars that are broken down rapidly) as well as more sustained energy throughout the day (due to sugars that are broken down more slowly). This makes red bananas an ideal pre-workout snack.
6. Promotes weight loss
Red bananas are beneficial for weight loss because one banana contains just 90 calories. Due to its extraordinarily high fiber content, it can make you feel full for longer and thus reduce your overall calorie intake.
7. Prevents anemia
Anemia is a disorder in which the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Red bananas can help prevent anemia because they are a good source of vitamin B6, which the body needs to make hemoglobin.
8. Improves mood
Red bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which plays a role in converting tryptophan into serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone that can improve mood and ease symptoms of depression.
9. Enhance vision
Red bananas are high in vitamin A and carotenoids, which support eye health. Studies have shown that consuming foods rich in carotenoids can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Red vs. yellow bananas
Red bananas are slightly smaller in size than yellow bananas, but both varieties are similar in terms of their nutritional value. Compared to yellow bananas, red bananas are:
- Higher in vitamin C
- Higher in some antioxidants
- Lower in terms of glycemic index
- Higher in fiber
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The WetLab. 7 Red Banana Benefits (And How They Differ From Yellow Ones). https://wetlab.org/7-red-banana-benefits-and-how-they-differ-from-yellow-ones/
1MD Nutrition. Green, Yellow, and Brown: The Benefits of Banana Colors. https://1md.org/article/ripe-banana-benefits-1md
Wu B. 13 Amazing Health Benefits of Red Banana (Better Than Yellow Banana!) Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/453528/13-amazing-health-benefits-of-red-banana-better-than-yellow-banana
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