Red banana also called Musa acuminate is known as “Red Dacca.” This fruit tastes similar to the raspberries and has the red outer peel. This belongs to the subgroup of bananas from the southeast Asia.
Red bananas are sweeter and shorter than the yellow bananas. They are more nutrient-dense. They help lower the blood glucose level, boost the immunity systems, and also help in indigestion. They are commonly used in desserts as well as baked goods.
Below are some of the benefits of red bananas.
1. Nutrient rich
A medium red banana is 75 percent water. It is very low in fat and rich in fiber.
- It is a very rich source of carbohydrates like sucrose and fructose. This has low glycemic index. It is an excellent source of instant energy which is released slowly into your bloodstream.
- It contains important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. It helps maintain a healthy electrolyte balance.
- It also contains vital nutrients like vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and choline.
- Antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin are found in red bananas.
2. Helps manage diabetes
Research has proved that diabetes management depends on improving glycemic control. Eating foods with lower glycemic index could reduce sudden increase in blood glucose levels.
A study showed that low glycemic response of the red bananas can be beneficial for peoples with diabetes. Red bananas inhibit the function of α-amylase as well as α-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for glucose synthesis, and also help in this work.
3. Have antioxidants properties
Red bananas are very rich in vitamin C and phenols. A study of banana cultivars showed their antioxidant activities.
Antioxidants remove free radicals which could cause cellular damage. Excessive free radicals could result in the oxidative stress as well as increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Red banana contains anthocyanins, carotenoids, and flavonols. The antioxidant property of the red bananas can be attributed to their very high carotenoid content. As per a study, red bananas have more antioxidants than their yellow counterpart.
4. Lowers blood pressure
Red bananas are packed with potassium. The function of potassium in regulating blood pressure and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases has been proved. Increasing potassium consumption reduces high blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension.
5. Supports eye health
Red bananas are very rich in zeaxanthin and lutein. The carotenoids are considered to protect against the age-related macular degeneration. Red bananas also have beta-carotenoids. They are the precursors of vitamin A and are effective if taken from the dietary sources.
Vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight. Deficiency of vitamin A could cause night blindness. But, more studies are required to understand the overall effectiveness of the vitamin A in the red bananas in promoting the eye health.
6. Boosts the immune system
Red bananas have several antioxidants that can improve the immunity system. They are an excellent source of vitamins C and vitamin B6. Research revealed that vitamin C could help the boost immunity system. There is an evidence that vitamin C could reduce the risk of infections, although more studies are required to support this fact.
7. Improves digestive health
The red bananas have been also used to treat several digestive issues including bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Studies show that high fiber content in bananas might ease bowel movement.
Bananas have prebiotic properties. These can also help enhance the health of gut microbiome. They help increase the number of good bacteria which break down fiber into essential nutrients. The red bananas might contain oligosaccharides which can help in reducing inflammation.