Here’s How It Affects Your Kidneys

Banana is one of the most consumed fruits in the world due to its sweet taste, versatility and ease of consumption. Moreover, its nutritional properties make it excellent source of natural energy rich in healthy carbohydrates and potassium. Although it contains more calories than other fruits such as apples or pears, it is still healthy. low calorie foodsince it does not reach 100 calories per 100 grams.

Despite all its many benefits, recent research has questioned its effects on the kidneys. if consumed in excess. On the one hand, this can help its functioning, since it stimulates urine production, but in people with certain kidney pathologies Its use may have negative consequences.

How does eating a banana every day affect your kidneys?

According to US National Institutes of Health (NIH)banana is among the foods not recommended for patients with kidney disease such as kidney failure, stones or cancer. The culprit is precisely the nutrient that makes it special: potassium. The kidneys are responsible for excretion excess potassium through urinebut if this organ does not work properly, it can accumulate in the blood, causing difficulty breathing or even heart attacks.

As with bananas, there are other foods that consumption also needs to be controlled if you suffer from kidney disease. The list includes potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, rice and whole grain breads, cereals, dairy products, pasta, beans and nuts. This doesn’t mean you should limit your intake completely, but you should eat other foods that maintain potassium balancesuch as apples, peaches, carrots, green beans, white rice, rice milk, grapes or blueberries.

Benefits of banana

Despite this recommendation, banana is still a complete and recommended food. Jaume Jimeneznutrition expert at Nutritional Coaching and Dia consultant, assures that “it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It mainly contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is also rich in carbohydrates and gives us quick energy,” he concludes. This nutrient density provides the body with many benefits:

1. Helps you sleep: Bananas contain tryptophan, “an amino acid that the body uses to make melatonin,” explains Jimenez. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, melatonin is a hormone in the body that plays a role important in a dreamincreasing its production at nightfall and decreasing during the day.

2. Improves Digestive Health: Banana can help ease digestion as it is easily digested without irritating the digestive tract. According to the expert, “It has a 4:1 ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber, which is close to the 3:1 ratio considered optimal in a balanced diet. This Fiber balance promotes digestive healthpromoting intestinal transit and helping prevent colon-related diseases.

3. Does not cause glucose spikes: Due to its fiber and starch content, banana has a low glycemic index, “meaning its consumption does not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose levels,” according to employee Dia. This makes it a suitable option for people who are looking. control sugar levels or prevent diseases such as diabetes.

4. Improves mood: As already mentioned, banana is natural source of tryptophanwhich, in addition to improving the quality of sleep, also improves mood. How? “Our body converts tryptophan into serotonin, known as the feel-good hormone. Serotonin can help you maintain emotional balance and promote a sense of well-being,” says Jaume.

5. High Antioxidant Power: banana contains antioxidant compounds such as catechins. “These substances help protect our cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, helping prevent premature aging and chronic diseases,” explains nutrition consultant Dia.

6. Excellent Source of Minerals: If there’s one thing bananas are known for, it’s the content they contain. potassiumwhich promotes muscle contraction. But this is also a great source magnesiumessential for muscle, nerve and bone function; phosphoruswhich plays a critical role in bone health, kidney function and energy metabolism; And calciumwhich helps prevent osteoporosis.