Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to the pressure of blood against your artery walls.
Over time, high blood pressure can also increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and other problems.
Hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer because it has no symptoms. The normal range of blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, if your blood pressure is consistently higher or lower than this, you should consult a doctor.
According to health experts, including bananas in your daily diet not only gives an instant boost of energy but also helps in maintaining your blood pressure.
Read to know more about it!
Why is banana good?
According to various researches, consuming potassium-rich foods help in lowering blood pressure. Bananas are extremely rich in potassium and low in sodium. According to the FDA, diets rich in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Excess sodium in the body puts burden on blood vessels and also disrupts the water balance. Consuming a food loaded with potassium reduce pressure on kidneys and also helps in getting rid of excess sodium in the body by flushing extra sodium out of your system through urine. Potassium also helps in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, which helps control blood pressure.
How much should you eat?
According to research studies, two bananas a day for a week can reduce your blood pressure by 10 percent. Consult your doctor before including bananas in your diet if you suffer from any other health complications.
Nutritional profile
A medium-sized banana contains just 109 calories with gram fibre, 18 grams of natural sugar, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein. It also contains Vitamin C, folate and Vitamin A.
Other foods
Spinach, celery, oatmeal, avocados, watermelon, oranges, beets, sunflower seeds and carrots also help in lowering your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Potassium in banana
Bananas are an excellent dietary source of potassium. Small bananas contain 362 milligrams, medium- sized bananas have 422 milligrams while large bananas have 487 milligrams of potassium.
How to buy
– Choose ripe bananas for immediate use, and some unripe green bananas to use later.
– Avoid bananas with bruises or brown spots.
– Look for full, plump bananas.
– Avoid bananas with dull grey undertones.
How to store
– Store at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight.
– Store them in a well-ventilated, cool, dark place.
– Avoid refrigerating and keep them away from other fruits.
Banana Pancakes
Easy-to-make dish, bananas add a buttery, creamy texture to this dish.
