Banana and cinnamon benefits
The exact topic of this article first appeared on www.nimedhealth.com.ng
Bananas aren’t just popular for no reason. In as much as they are conveniently affordable, they are delicious and nutritious. They are packed with nutrients that help promote health and wellbeing in diverse ways.
Cinnamon is another ingredient on the popular market that has served as a recipe in the preparation of several foods and food products. Just like banana, it is rich in nutrients beneficial to health. For over centuries, this spice has been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.
So, imagine what becomes of these two: banana and cinnamon, when mixed together. When combined, they become a potent remedy, a powerhouse of nutrients with many benefits.
This article aims to highlight the benefits of banana and cinnamon.
Read on.
Nutritional profile of Banana and Cinnamon
Bananas are excellent sources of nutrients for weight loss, control of blood sugar levels, digestive and gut health. They contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals including magnesium, potassium and a substantial amount of dietary fiber. Cinnamon also contains nutrients, powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.
Banana and Cinnamon Benefits
Here are the benefits of banana and cinnamon:
Control blood sugar levels: Banana and cinnamon are good for insulin resistance and diabetics. Bananas contain nutrients that can help keep your blood glucose levels in check. This is because of the high levels of pectin in ripe bananas and resistant starch in unripe bananas. The glycemic index of green unripe bananas is also low and therefore, can’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon is also useful in regulating blood sugar levels. It has antidiabetic effects that helps slow down the amount of glucose that enters the blood stream. It also slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.
Promotes weight loss: Banana and cinnamon are great for weight loss. This combo has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid weight loss. Additionally, the fiber present provides the feeling of satiety for a longer time. Banana and cinnamon are also great at improving insulin sensitivity to further aid the reduction of fatty liver, bloody lipids, belly and accumulated fat.
Improve digestive health: Regular consumption of bananas and cinnamon can help improve your digestive health. They help reduce the risk of digestive issues. The high amount of dietary fiber contained in bananas can help enhance digestion. The resistant starch present in unripe bananas can improve your overall digestive functioning by feeding the good bacteria in your gut. The presence of fiber and pectin also protects against the risk of colon cancer.
More so, the antifungal and antibacterial properties of cinnamon also slow down the growth of microorganisms that can affect the digestive system.
Aid Night sleep: Banana contains tryptophan; an amino acid that triggers the production of a chemical in the brain- serotonin. The production of serotonin has a calming effect on the body. It eases stress by reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone; and as such improves your sleep. With a banana and a teaspoon of cinnamon, you can make a good cup of tea. For best results, drink this tea regularly an hour before bedtime.
Prevents infection: Banana has vitamin C that helps prevent and fight infections. Cinnamon also contains powerful antimicrobial activities that help fight off infections invading the immune system.
Banana and Cinnamon combo are nutrients dense. Reason why you don’t need to consume in large amounts to enjoy maximum benefits. A regular sized banana and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder is enough to see results.
Stella-maris Achumba
