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15 health and beauty benefits of bananas

15 health and beauty benefits of bananas
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Bananas have incredible effects on the skin, hair and general health. Available all year round, they contain numerous nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C and E as well as minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron and manganese. For maximal effectiveness, use organic bananas. 

1) The health benefits of bananas

For blood pressure and cholesterol

The potassium contained in bananas helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Furthermore, the calcium, potassium and magnesium can help reduce high blood pressure, and the pectin, a soluble fibre in bananas, can help lower cholesterol.

For kidney health

According to the International Journal of Cancer, bananas are a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds and of potassium. If they are consumed with vegetables such as cabbage or root vegetables, they can support renal health.

For the stomach and digestion

Bananas promote digestion because they are very rich in probiotics (the good bacteria in the stomach). Eating bananas can lead to the fabrication of digestive enzymes, which prevent bad bacteria from harming the body.

The antacid substance contained in bananas soothes heartburn and helps combat stomach ulcers. Other substances present in bananas stimulate the cells in the walls of the stomach and produce a thick barrier that protects against stomach acid and which eliminates the bacteria responsible for causing ulcers.

Astringents, bananas are equally effective for treating diarrhea, constipation, improving intestinal function and preventing heamorrhoids.

For weight loss

Rich in fibre and low in fat, bananas are easy to digest. A 100 g banana contains around 90 calories, which should generally keep you going throughout the morning. And it’s healthier than bread or chocolate biscuits!

To sleep well

Bananas are rich in amino acids called tryptophans, which trigger the production of melatonin, the hormone which induces sleep. Eat a banana a few hours before going to bed in order to fall asleep faster.

2) The beauty benefits of bananas

Bananas contain nutrients that are essential for the skin, such as vitamins C and B6, which play a vital role in skin elasticity. The antioxidants and the manganese in bananas protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which cause skin ageing.

Naturally hydrating

Bananas are naturally very hydrating for your skin. A banana contains around 75% water, meaning it is ideal for hydrating your skin, preventing it from drying out and peeling.

Peel and mash a ripe banana and spread it on your face, avoiding contact with the eyes. Leave it to work for 20 to 25 minutes, and rinse it with lukewarm water. If you have dry skin, add honey to the recipe. Your skin will be noticeably softer.

A skin exfoliant

Rich in antioxidants, banana mixed with sugar will help you remove dead skin cells.

Peel and crush a banana and add a dessertspoon of granulated sugar, mixing it in well. Apply the mixture to your face, rubbing it in gently in circular movements.

A natural anti-wrinkle mask

The nutrients contained in bananas help fight against wrinkles and keep your skin looking young.

Peel and crush an avocado and a banana, rich in vitamin E. Mix the paste and apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it to work for 25 minutes and rinse. Your skin will be soft and appear younger.

Reduce bags under your eyes

Crush a half a banana and apply it to puffy eyes or dark circles. Leave it to work for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with cold water. The eye bags should disappear. Rich in potassium, the banana absorbs the excess water under the skin and reduces swelling.

You can also apply the inner part of a banana skin to your eyes, instead of using the banana purée.

Fight spots

Gently rub the inside of a banana skin to your skin for around 5 minutes. Wash your skin with lukewarm water, but leave the banana to dry on the affected area. Repeat three times a day, and your spots should disappear within a week.

Treat warts and psoriasis

Apply the inside of a banana skin to the area affected by warts or psoriasis and rub in gently for 10 minutes, twice a day. The results could take some time. Let us know whether you find this cream works better than artificial creams and chemical treatments.

For dry, cracked heels

Crush the flesh of two ripe bananas and apply it to clean feet. Leave it to work for 10 minutes and rinse it off. The banana will deeply penetrate the dry, cracked skin and will make the skin on your heels softer and more supple.

3) The benefits of bananas for your hair

Bananas help soften your hair and promote hair growth, protecting its natural elasticity and preventing dandruff.

Banana hair mask

Add some crushed banana and crushed avocado to a container, and add coconut milk, mixing the whole lot. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Prevent hair from falling out

To stop your hair from falling out, mix crushed banana with some natural yoghurt. Apply this natural, home made treatment to your scalp, leave it to work for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it with cold water.

For dry hair

Mix three dessertspoons of liquid honey with the pulp of one ripe banana and apply the mixture to damp hair. Leave it to work for 15 to 20 minutes, and wash your hair with your usual shampoo. Go for a gentle shampoo made from vegetable oils (olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, etc.)

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