6 Amazing Benefits of Eating a Banana Every Day

STACK's Brandon Hall breaks down the bevy of benefits that come from eating bananas.

Bananas might be the perfect fruit. They've got a built-in protective covering with a convenient tab for removal. Their color instantly tells you when they're ripe. They've got a delicious taste that nearly everyone enjoys. And—perhaps most important—they're packed with beneficial nutrients.

No wonder bananas are Americans' favorite fruit. The average American consumes over 10 pounds of bananas annually.


RELATED: Three Key Benefits of Eating Bananas

1. Bananas Help you Breathe Easier

Bananas Help You Breathe

Nearly 26 million Americans suffer from asthma, and it's the leading chronic disease among children. But preventing asthma could be as simple as eating a banana a day. A study at the Imperial College of London found that children who ate at least one banana a day experienced 34 percent less wheezing than those who ate less than one banana a month. If you're looking to prevent asthma-related symptoms and breathe better, reach for a banana.

2. Bananas Help Control Blood Sugar

Bananas Help Control Blood Sugar




3. Bananas Assist with Appetite Control

Bananas Assist with Appetite Control




RELATED: Fuel Up With Blueberry Banana Pancakes

4. Bananas Can Help Ward Off Cancer

Bananas Can Help Ward Off Cancer

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, dietary fiber "convincingly" lowers the risk of colorectal cancer, and  vitamin C—of which a banana supplies about 17 percent of your daily value—"probably" lowers the risk of esophageal cancer. Fruits in general "probably" lower the risk of lung, stomach, mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus cancer, according to the institute.

5. A Bananas is Essentially a Sports Drink in Fruit Form

A Banana is Essentially a Sports Drink in Fruit Form 


"This type of research shows that you can have healthier carbohydrate sources before and after exercise that will support athletic performance just as well as a sports drink," said Dr. David C. Nieman, one of the study's lead authors.

The simple carbs available in bananas can be converted quickly into energy, and the fact that they're high in potassium (an electrolyte) can help prevent dehydration. Bananas also have several nutrients (such as antioxidants, fiber and vitamin B-6) that aren't typically found in sports drinks.

6. Bananas Build Stronger Bones

 Bananas Build Stronger Bones


RELATED: What to Eat If You Hate Bananas

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