What is the best time to eat a banana

The phrase that says “there is always a time for everything” also applies to the banana. This noble fruit, super-rich in potassium and electrolytes, has recognized medicinal virtues, but there is an ideal time of day to eat it and to fulfill its full therapeutic potential.

And that time is early in the morning. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s guidelines for treating overweight and having better nutrition, it is recommended to eat a medium banana at breakfast, at the beginning of the day, so that the body receives the necessary daily amount of potassium.

As explained in the book “The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies”, combining a medium banana with low-sugar cereal and skim milk provides a powerful source of energy to start the day.

Also, the banana is considered a “heavy” fruit, difficult to digest: it can take from 2 to 3 hours. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat it at night, it can generate more digestive mucus and some indigestion.

This “energy cup” can be complemented with toast and a glass of natural orange juice.

What is potassium

The Potassium is a mineral that our body needs for many body functions essential, including control of the electrical balance of the heart, metabolize carbohydrates, and build muscle, which indicates ADAM Medical Library. While low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat. Know-how and how much of this mineral you should incorporate into your diet.

What is your function

Basically potassium is necessary to make protein, break down and use carbohydrates, build muscle, maintain normal body growth, and control the electrical activity of the heart. In addition, it regulates the water balance and the acid-base balance in the tissues and in the blood.

How much is needed

The Nutrition and Food Center of the Institute of Medicine recommends the following daily consumption of potassium, according to age: from 0 to 6 months: 0.4 grams (g.), From 7 to 12 months: 0.7 g., From 1 to 3 years old : 3 g., From 4 to 8 years old: 3.8 g., From 9 to 13 years old: 4.5 g., From 14 to 18 years old: 4.7 g., From 19 years old onwards: 4.7 g. Women who are producing breast milk need amounts greater than 5.1 g.

Not too much not too little

Having too much or too little potassium in the body can cause health problems. For example, a low potassium level, called hypokalemia, can lead to weak muscles, abnormal heart rhythms, and a slight increase in blood pressure. Too much potassium in the blood, called hyperkalemia, can cause abnormal and dangerous heart rhythms. In normal amounts, it provides these benefits:

1. Blood pressure

Increasing potassium intake would reduce the risk of high blood pressure in adults. This is because it works as a vasodilator, promoting proper blood flow and helping to decrease the tension on the walls of the blood vessels.

2. Prevents ACVs

Potassium can be a natural way to prevent strokes or strokes. These conditions occur when blood flow to the brain is affected, causing damage to brain cells. Potassium is believed to alleviate this situation as it works as a natural vasodilator.

3. Helps eliminate sodium

Few people meet the recommended daily sodium intake. The main culprits for this failure are processed foods that hide large amounts of sodium in their composition. When consumed in excess, it increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. However, potassium stimulates the natural elimination of sodium in the urine.

4. Strengthens bones

A high consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium is associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis. This is because potassium favors conditions in the body to maintain calcium levels, promoting the development and health of bone mass.

Natural sources

Many foods contain potassium: meats (red and white) and fish, such as salmon, cod, tuna, and sardines, milk, yogurt, nuts, soy products, broccoli, spinach, peas, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, or potatoes ( especially its peel), sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes), mushrooms, avocado, and winter squash.