7 Health Benefits and 6 Risks of Eating Bananas

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Benefit 3: Blood pressure control

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Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help control blood pressure. One study shows that an active potassium intake reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 27%.

The American Heart Association also recommends more potassium intakes while reducing salt. Bananas may also be effective in preventing heart disease, because they are a readily available source of potassium.

Benefit 4: Prevention of diabetes

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Many people are concerned about the risk of developing diabetes, one of the most common adult diseases. Bananas may also reduce the risk of developing the disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fiber-rich fruits, including bananas, to help prevent the disease, noting that these fruits can help control blood sugar levels.

A 2018 study found that fiber lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, and it was also found to lower blood glucose levels in patients who already have the disease. In addition, the resistant starch found in bananas improves insulin sensitivity, preventing a condition that makes it harder for organs to respond to insulin, and that predisposes to the development of diabetes, according to one study.

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Text by Yamato Aoba