Bananas are not just fruits for infants and elders; they have numerous health benefits which you will be missing out on if you don’t include them in your daily diet. These soft, creamy fruits are excellent sources of potassium and fiber, which are instrumental in promoting good health and preventing several diseases and issues. If you are looking for a reason to eat bananas, here are 4 that will change how you think about them.

Prevent heart diseases

Given how bananas are packed with potassium (467 mg per banana), they can significantly reduce high blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular functioning. According to a study eating foods rich in potassium reduces the risk of stroke. Moreover, the fiber content in bananas also promotes a healthy heart, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

Avoid ulcers

Bananas are extremely potent in protecting against stomach ulcers thanks to their antacid properties. Fresh bananas have been shown to prevent stomach wounds and drinking banana milk shake can reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

Eating bananas also helps your stomach cells produce thicker mucus, which is essential in protecting the walls of your stomach from damage. Moreover, the bacteria present in the stomach are also killed by the protease inhibitors present in bananas.

Improve digestion and replenish electrolytes

Bananas have a soluble fiber called pectin which can help regulate your bowel movement and prevent constipation. The presence of resistant starch also places bananas quite high in the list of foods that aid digestion.

If you are suffering from diarrhea, your body will lose electrolytes and you will consequently feel lethargic. Bananas are rich in potassium and can help balance the electrolyte level in your body.

Prevent your eyesight from getting weak

Fruit in general is very important for the protection of your eyesight and according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology, 3 servings of fruit a day can reduce and prevent ARMD (age related macular degeneration).

According to another study, intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins (A,C,E) and carotenoids was shown to protect against the damage caused by ARMD. A simple banana shake, or slices of banana taken with your morning cereal can give you all the aforementioned benefits.

Strengthen your bones

Eating bananas can boost your body’s calcium absorption, which consequently helps strengthen your bones. The presence of prebiotic in bananas also promotes the growth of useful bacteria in your digestive tract. These bacteria are responsible for the production of enzymes and regulating the absorption of nutrients in the body. All this essentially leads to stronger bone formation and overall health.