Bananas are believed to be one of the most consumed fruits in the world and are filled up with vitamins and minerals. In India, the traditional yellow banana (Cavendish banana) is the most famous one.
The red banana is the less popular banana and tastes sweeter than the yellow banana. It is also known as the Dacca banana. It has a flavor of raspberry as well. It is considered great for your diet as it has several health benefits. Red bananas are found rarely in India and are only available in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
So, in this article, we will be looking at the various health benefits of the red banana and its differences from the famous yellow banana. Let’s begin.
Health Benefits of Red bananas
1. Full of nutrients
Red bananas just like yellow bananas are full of nutrients that are highly necessary for our body. The important nutrients present in red bananas are as follows.
- Calories
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
100grams of red bananas consists of 90 calories, 21grams of carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber approximately.
2. Red bananas prevent kidney stones
Red bananas are considered great for people who have a risk of developing kidney stones. This is because red bananas are highly rich in potassium and we all know how a high intake of potassium can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
The potassium content in red bananas is more than that of yellow bananas which makes it better than a yellow banana in aspects of preventing kidney stones.
3. Helps in weightloss
Yes, you read it right red bananas actually help you in weight loss. Rather, compared to traditional bananas red bananas are low in calories and we all know how one needs to lower the calorie intake to lose weight. Red bananas fulfill your hunger and help you to stay full for a long time. This type of food is mandatory in your weight loss journey.
4. Increases RBC count
People with a low RBC count should definitely consume red bananas on a regular basis as red bananas help in increasing the RBC count in your blood.
5. Good for your heart health
People with heart problems or diseases should consume red bananas as they are considered great for your heart health.
Red bananas also play a major role in lowering blood pressure. Red bananas are rich in potassium which again helps in reducing blood pressure. Also, the presence of magnesium in red bananas helps in reducing your blood pressure levels.
6. It may be considered good for diabetic patients
Red bananas are considered a good fruit for diabetic patients especially people with type 2 diabetes. This is because red bananas are highly rich in fiber and we all know how fiber intake helps diabetic patients. Also, the glycemic index of red bananas is much lower than yellow bananas which makes them great for diabetic patients.
7. Great for your eyes
Red banana gets its color from carotenoids (pigments). The presence of lutein and beta carotene as carotenoids in red bananas helps in improving your vision and prevents the risk of developing various diseases related to the eyes.
8. Strengthens your immunity system
The main vitamins that are necessary for improving our immunity system are Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Red bananas contain both of these vitamins.
9. Good for your gut health
Red bananas contain prebiotics which help in improving your gut health and reduces bloating. Prebiotics are fibers that help in preventing constipation as well. Fructooligosaccharides and inulin are the two types of prebiotics present in red bananas.
Red bananas are also rich in fiber which helps in improving bowel movements and prevents gut inflammation.
10. May cure your smoking addiction
We all know how magnesium and potassium reduce the frequent urges of nicotine intake. Though curing of smoking addiction is based on your willpower but the addition of these two nutrients will help you in the stop smoking journey.
Differences between yellow banana and red banana
Red bananas are rare whereas yellow bananas are very common. Though almost the same in appearance (except the color) there are a lot of differences between both of them in aspects of nutritive value.
- Red bananas are smaller in size compared the yellow bananas
- The amount of Vitamin C present in red bananas are more than that of yellow bananas
- Red bananas contain more antioxidants than yellow bananas
- The fiber content of yellow bananas are less if compared to red bananas
Conclusion
As we can see clearly, how important red bananas are for our health. So definitely, if you are visiting Southeast Asia you should try these red bananas. Also, it is clearly visible that red bananas are better than yellow bananas but red bananas are less popular as they are rare. Though you can always import any type of fruit from anywhere in the world. Thanks to the growing e-commerce websites all over the world.
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