In this blog, we are going to study every aspect of eating bananas and their effects on the body.
Bananas are nutritious fruits that have been available over the years in India. They are mainly loved by children and adults. But it’s a big no when it comes to diabetic patients, due to the belief it can cause high blood sugar. This topic is confusing as well as complicated because of misconceptions among common people.
In this blog, we are going to study every aspect of eating bananas and their effects on the body.
What is the Nutritional value of bananas?
Bananas have lots of essential nutrients for day to day working of the human body. Here are some nutritional values that are rich in bananas:
- Healthy Carbohydrates: Bananas are rich in carbohydrates. 25g of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch are contained in medium-sized ripped bananas. Unripened bananas contain up to 80% of starch of their total weight and some are resistant also. These bananas are healthy for diabetic people because of their lower sugar content.
- Fiber: Bananas contain high levels of dietary fibers which helps in easier digestion and improving metabolism.
- Vitamins: Bananas are rich in Vitamin C and B6 which are essential for the human body to perform daily work.
- Minerals: Bananas contain high amounts of minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium helps in the regulation of blood circulation and magnesium helps in muscle function and also helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
Understanding Diabetes’ Effect on Dietary Choices
Diabetes is a very common disorder that occurs when the body has high glucose levels because of less production of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by converting glucose into glycogen with the help of glycogenesis.
Diabetic people need to fix their diet and make lifestyle changes to reduce the effects of this disease, which include:
- Eating less Carbs and fats
- Sticking to low-glycemic foods
- Avoiding simple carbohydrates
- Small meal portion
What Are the Health Benefits of Bananas for Diabetic People?
Despite all the disbelief and misconception about eating bananas in a diabetic condition, It is safe and healthy to eat in a moderate amount or in a healthy way. It can also provide several benefits without harming our blood sugar levels. Some health benefits are discussed below:
- Enhance Insulin Sensitivity: Partially riped or fully unripped banana contains resistant starch, which can not be digested and fermented through gut bacteria. It also improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. The starch of bananas helps in achieving better gut health, metabolism, and immunity.
- Regulates blood Sugar: Fibers present in bananas with resistance can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates by promoting the slow release of glucose into the blood effectively controlling blood sugar levels.
- Enhance Heart Health: Minerals found in bananas can improve cardiac health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Controlling Meal Portion: Due to their high carbohydrates, bananas provide energy and are also low in calories making it the best option for the patient who wants to control their meal portions.
What Are the Blood Tests to Identify the Blood Sugar/glucose Level?
Here is the list of blood tests to assess the blood sugar level
- Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)
- Random plasma glucose test (RPG)
- Postprandial blood sugar test, and
- HbA1C test
How Do Bananas Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Diabetic people need to be careful while eating their diet and consumption of sugar. Eating high-carbohydrate food can give an instant spike in blood sugar levels that increases complications related to health.
F&Qs
Can bananas boost the blood sugar level?
Ans: Yes, ripened bananas can give an instant spike in blood sugar levels.
How many bananas a diabetic person can eat in a day?
Ans: A diabetic person can eat 1-2 bananas in a day but should avoid doing so regularly.
Is bananas are safe to eat in a diabetic condition?
Ans: Yes, partially riped bananas can be eaten by a diabetic person in a moderate amount.
What would be the best fruit to have for diabetic people?
Ans: Any fresh fruits with less sugar can be consumed by the diabetic patient.
