BANANAS

Health benefits
By a high potassium to sodium content, bananas may prevent high blood pressure and its complications.[31][32] High fiber content may also contribute to this effect.[31] High potassium may also prevent renal calcium loss, in effect preventing bone breakdown.[31] In diarrhea, it contributes with electrolyte replacement, as well as increased absorption of nutrients.[31] Bananas also have some antacid effect, protecting from peptic ulcers.[31] [32] Pectin content, a hydrocolloid, can ease constipation by normalizing movement through the intestine.[31] The low glycemic index in unripe bananas is of particular benefit to people with diabetes.[31][32] High fructooligosaccharide content may work as a prebiotic, nourishing the intestinal flora to produce beneficial vitamins and enzymes.[31] Carotenoid content has antioxidant effects, and protects against vitamin A deficiency, resulting in e.g. night blindness.[31] Moderate consumption decreases risk of kidney cancer, possibly due to antioxidant phenolic compounds.[31] In contrast, large consumption of highly processed fruit juice increases the risk of kidney cancer.[31]

Fruit consumption in general decreases the risk of age-related muscular degeneration.[31]