Raw Bananas Are Amazing For Diabetics: Know The Many Health Benefits

Raw bananas are the fibre-rich miracle food which can be great for diabetics. They help in maintaining blood sugar and also help in keeping the heart healthy. Raw bananas or green bananas are widely cultivated in southern India and are in fact used in most Indian cuisines. In Kerala, raw bananas are almost like an unavoidable ingredient. They are used in the form of stir fries and banana chips. Almost all parts of the fruit can be used in different forms and variations. Raw banana is rich in various vitamins and minerals which are essential for a healthy body.

Below are some of the health benefits of raw bananas you must know: 

1. Rich in vitamins

Raw bananas or green bananas comprise most essential vitamins and minerals. Raw bananas are specifically rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Vitamin C is an essential mineral for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin C gives a boost to immune system and contains antioxidants which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin B6 on the other hand is responsible for converting food into energy. It is good for heart health and improves brain function.

Raw bananas are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
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Also read: Here's How Different Types Of Bananas Can Affect Your Health

2. Great for diabetics

Sugar content in raw bananas is really low and that's why raw bananas are great for diabetes. They have a glycemic index (GI) of less than 55, which is helpful for keeping the digestive system healthy. Foods with less GI prevent in rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Diabetes can in face include raw bananas in their daily diet.

Nutritionist Pooja Malhotra is of the belief that raw bananas are beneficial for diabetics. She says, "Raw bananas have low glycemic index because they have resistant starches that don't get digested easily. So they are better for diabetics. However, they can cause bloating and indigestion to someone who has a weak digestion."

This means that people who have a slow or a weak digestive system should refrain from eating raw bananas or eat them in limited quantities only.

Raw bananas are good for diabetics as they help in keeping blood sugar under control
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3. Raw bananas are rich in fibre

Raw bananas or green bananas are rich in fibre. Foods rich in fibre help in easing the digestion process. Fibre-rich foods are helpful in keeping constipation at bay. Furthermore, fibre is helpful in keeping blood sugar levels under control. Consuming raw bananas regularly can help in controlling cholesterol levels. This helps in keeping heart healthy and reduces incidence of stroke.

Also read: Going Strong On Bananas? Stop! Know The Side Effects Of Eating Too Many Bananas

4. Prevents stomach problems

Fibre content in raw bananas can be helpful in keeping many stomach problems at bay. These include problems like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. A cup of steamed or cooked raw banana everyday can be of great help. However, avoid fried raw bananas as it merely contributes to increasing calorie intake.

5. They help in weight loss

Raw bananas are rich in fibre. Eating fibrous foods helps you keep full for longer and thus reduce appetite. People on a weight loss regime can include raw bananas in their diet as it curbs hunger and also prevents snacking on unhealthy food.

6. Good for heart health

Raw bananas are a rich source of potassium. Potassium rich foods are good for health of kidneys. Raw bananas are also great for keeping blood pressure under control.

Raw bananas help in regulating cholesterol levels and are thus good for heart health
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: 5 Problems That Bananas Can Treat Better Than Medicines

7. Gives a boost to beneficial starch

Green plantains are storehouse of resistant starch. Resistant starch is the kind of starch which is not completely broken down or absorbed. These starches don't get digested easily. They turn into short chain fatty acids by intestinal bacteria.

(Pooja Malhotra is a nutritionist based in Delhi)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.