Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are not only delicious and convenient, but also offer many health benefits. Here are top ailments that bananas can help treat, along with how to use them and the sources of information.
| Ailment | How to use bananas | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Eat one or two bananas daily as a source of potassium, which can lower blood pressure and protect heart health. | Healthline |
| Constipation | Eat ripe bananas, which contain soluble fiber and pectin, to help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements. | Healthline |
| Diarrhea | Eat unripe or green bananas, which contain resistant starch and tannins, to help reduce fluid loss and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. | Organic Facts |
| Ulcers | Eat ripe bananas, which have a protective effect on the stomach lining and can prevent or heal ulcers by neutralizing stomach acid and enhancing mucus production. | Organic Facts |
| Anemia | Eat ripe bananas, which are a good source of iron, to help increase hemoglobin levels and prevent or treat anemia. | Organic Facts |
| Depression | Eat ripe bananas, which contain tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin. | Organic Facts |
| Stress | Eat ripe bananas, which contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, to help lower blood pressure, relax muscles, and support nerve function. Bananas also provide carbohydrates, which can boost energy and mood. | EatingWell |
| Weight loss | Eat unripe or green bananas, which contain resistant starch, to increase satiety and reduce appetite. Bananas also have a low calorie density and a high water content, which can help with portion control and hydration. | Healthline |
| Diabetes | Eat unripe or green bananas, which have a low glycemic index and contain resistant starch and fiber, to help moderate blood sugar levels after meals and improve insulin sensitivity. However, limit the portion size and avoid overripe bananas, which have a higher glycemic index and sugar content. | Healthline |
| Kidney stones | Eat ripe bananas, which are a good source of potassium citrate, to help prevent or dissolve kidney stones by reducing urinary calcium excretion and increasing urine pH. However, avoid eating too many bananas if you have hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels). | Healthline |
| Arthritis | Eat ripe bananas, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of vitamin C, to help reduce joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Bananas also contain manganese, which is involved in bone health and cartilage formation. | Organic Facts |
| Gout | Eat ripe bananas, which have alkalizing effects and are a good source of vitamin C, to help lower uric acid levels and prevent or treat gout attacks. Bananas also contain potassium, which can help flush out excess uric acid from the body. | Organic Facts |
| Asthma | Eat ripe bananas, which are a good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, two antioxidants that can help protect the lungs from oxidative damage and inflammation caused by asthma. Bananas also contain magnesium, which can help relax the bronchial muscles and improve breathing. | EatingWell |
| Allergies | Eat ripe bananas, which contain a protein called banana lectin, or BanLec, that can bind to the sugars on the surface of viruses and bacteria and prevent them from infecting cells. Bananas also contain vitamin C and quercetin, two anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce allergic reactions. | EatingWell |
| Skin problems | Apply ripe banana pulp or peel to the affected area of the skin, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, or sunburn, to help soothe, moisturize, and heal the skin. Bananas contain various phytochemicals and antioxidants that can fight infection, inflammation, and aging signs. | Organic Facts |
| Hair problems | Apply ripe banana pulp or peel to the scalp and hair, or use banana shampoo or conditioner, to help nourish, strengthen, and soften the hair. Bananas contain various nutrients and minerals that can promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and improve hair texture. | Organic Facts |
| Eye problems | Eat ripe bananas, which are a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, two nutrients that are essential for eye health and vision. Bananas also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that can protect the eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts. | EatingWell |
| Menstrual problems | Eat ripe bananas, which contain vitamin B6 and potassium, to help relieve premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, cramps, and fatigue. Bananas also contain iron, which can help prevent or treat menstrual anemia. | Organic Facts |
| Pregnancy problems | Eat ripe bananas, which contain folate, a B vitamin that is crucial for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord and can prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which can help reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. | EatingWell |
| Smoking cessation | Eat ripe bananas, which contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, to help replenish the electrolytes and neurotransmitters that are depleted by nicotine withdrawal. Bananas also provide natural sugars that can satisfy cravings and boost mood. | Organic Facts |
| Hangover | Eat ripe bananas or drink banana smoothies, which contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and natural sugars, to help rehydrate the body and restore the electrolytes and blood sugar levels that are lowered by alcohol consumption. Bananas also help protect the stomach lining from irritation and acidity. | Organic Facts |