Oatmeal is one of the most loved breakfast options across the world. Despite being rich in dietary fiber and nutrients, oatmeal can be still be tweaked with fruits like bananas to further enhance its nutritional value. As far as the nutritional content of a banana is concerned, a single one contains about 105 calories with a high content of fiber, copper, manganese, potassium, B & C vitamins and antioxidants.1Here are 6 reasons how adding some ripe bananas to your breakfast is the best way to kickstart your day.
1. They Are Super Filling And Nourishing
Both ripe bananas and oatmeal contain filling fiber that leaves you feeling full after consumption. Moreover, if you are suffering from frequent episodes of constipation, having at least a banana a day can relieve it. Being full of carbs, they are a healthy snack to grab after a workout session or if you are just feeling hungry or trying to lose weight.
2.
They Protect Your Cardiovascular Health
Bananas are high in potassium, which is a very crucial mineral that regulates various bodily processes. It can reduce high blood pressure and prevent sodium and water retention in the body. Researchers have also proved that having dietary sources of potassium and antioxidants is one of the best ways to reduce the risk for heart disease and strokes. The fiber in banana also prevents plaque build-up in arteries and prevents arteriosclerosis.2
3. Strengthens Your Skeletal System
Being loaded with potassium, it helps to prevent painful muscle cramps in people who have intense workout regimes. Studies have proven that having bananas as a pre or post-workout snack can reduce the chances of suffering muscle cramps.3 Daily intake can also prevent degenerative diseases of the joints like arthritis and gout, especially because they have a lot of antioxidants in them.
4.
Regulates Normal Functioning Of The Kidneys
Long-term studies have proven that daily intake of bananas can keep your kidneys in good health by preventing stone formation as well as by increasing the frequency and volume of urine. This is mainly due to the high content of potassium and various antioxidants.4
5. Prevents Degenerative Diseases Of The Eye
Like many fruits rich in vitamins, bananas are excellent at restoring the health of your eyes. It has been proven that it can it’s good for vision as well as prevents degenerative diseases like macular degeneration, cataract, night blindness, and glaucoma.
6.
Keep Your Digestive System In Order
A happy gut plays a major role in setting the tone for the day. Having fiber-rich fruits like bananas along with your oatmeal porridge helps in several ways. Being easily digestible, they are good at stimulating regular bowel movements and removing body wastes which are especially beneficial for people suffering from piles. This means better digestion and better elimination that leads to overall digestive health. If you are suffering from a bad case of stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal distress, having bananas can stimulate healing of the gut while reducing acidity.5
It’s important to keep in mind that in people with a high insulin resistance having bananas alone can spike blood sugar levels, but when combined with oatmeal, this effect is diminished. This attractive yellow fruit is abundant with nutrition which when combined with a healthy grain like oatmeal leads to the multiplication of its benefits. Even if you are not able to mix them with oatmeal, make it a point to have a banana a day!6
References
