- Bananas are one of those popular fruits that have numerous health benefits to the body
- However, there are different types of bananas, and they have their peculiar health benefits
- TheRadar lists five types of bananas and their nutritional benefits as proven by medical experts and nutritionists
Bananas, one of the world’s most popular fruits, are much more than a sweet, convenient snack. They are known for their rich taste and vibrant yellow peel; bananas have a wide variety of species and subspecies, each with its distinct flavour, texture, and nutritional profile. Across the globe, over 1,000 types of bananas exist, and they are central to many cultures, including Nigeria's.
In rural and urban Nigerian communities alike, bananas are inexpensive and readily available, making them an essential food for providing quick energy and nutrition. As Nigerian families continue to adopt more diverse diets, integrating bananas into daily meals, whether as snacks or cooked plantain dishes, can significantly contribute to overall health.
According to Dr. Shereen Jegtvig, a licensed chiropractor and health/nutrition expert, "Bananas are well known for their potassium content, which is essential for heart health, maintaining normal blood pressure, and preventing muscle cramps after exercise. They also provide fibre, which is important for digestive health."
In Nigeria, bananas are commonly eaten as snacks, desserts, or side dishes. However, beyond their delicious taste, bananas offer a wealth of health benefits that make them a staple in the diets of millions.
Types of bananas and their health benefits
1. Cavendish Bananas
The Cavendish banana is the most common variety sold globally, including in Nigerian markets. With its soft texture and sweet taste, it is often used in smoothies and desserts and eaten raw. Cavendish bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps in maintaining proper heart function and blood pressure.
The health benefits include:
i. It helps to boost brain health because it is rich in vitamin B6.
ii. It contains potassium, which supports heart and muscle function.
iii. It lowers the risk of developing kidney stones due to its high magnesium content.
Credit: Pinterest
2. Plantains
They are close relatives of the banana, plantains are often larger and starchier. In Nigeria, plantains are either boiled, fried, or roasted and served with stews or other meals. Unlike the sweet Cavendish banana, plantains are typically prepared in savoury dishes and offer a different nutritional profile.
The health benefits of plantains include:
i. It promotes digestive health because of its fibre content.
ii. It is rich in complex carbohydrates, making it a great energy source for those engaged in physical labour.
iii. It is a source of vitamins A and C, which is important for immune function and eye health.
Credit: Pinterest
3. Red Bananas
Red bananas have a reddish-purple peel; they are smaller and sweeter than Cavendish bananas. They are less common in Nigerian markets but can be found in some speciality stores. These bananas are loaded with antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body.
Some of the health benefits of red bananas are:
i. They help boost immunity and skin health because they contain more vitamin C than yellow bananas.
ii. They help in reducing oxidative stress, which may protect against chronic diseases.
iii. They are good for eye health due to high beta-carotene levels.
Credit: Pinterest
4. Apple Bananas
They are known for their small size and sweet, slightly tangy flavour; apple bananas are common in tropical regions. Though rare in Nigeria, they are highly valued for their taste and high nutrient content. These bananas are great for adding to fruit salads or snacking on during hot weather.
The health benefits of apple bananas are:
i. They are high in dietary fibre, promoting a healthy digestive system.
ii. They contain natural sugars that provide a quick energy boost.
iii. They are rich in vitamin C and potassium, aiding in muscle recovery and immunity.
Credit: Pinterest
5. Burro Bananas
Burro bananas are characterised by their firm texture and tangy flavour. They have a square-like shape and can be eaten raw or cooked. This variety is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are particularly beneficial for physical activity.
The health benefits are:
i. They help to prevent anaemia being a good source of iron.
ii. The high content in magnesium, supports bone health and reduces muscle cramps.
iii. It contains moderate amounts of vitamin B6, which aids in cognitive function.
Credit: Pinterest
According to Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, and director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center: "Bananas are naturally free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. This makes them heart-healthy food. They are also rich in antioxidants, like dopamine, which helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress."
10 fruit combinations you cannot mix and why
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported fruit combinations that should not be mixed and the reasons they should not be combined.
Some of the fruits that should not be mixed together include papaya and melon, fruits and vegetables, orange and carrot, guava and banana, cucumber and tomato, acidic fruits and dairy, acidic fruits and sweet fruits, pineapple and milk, and starchy fruits and high proteinous fruits.
