Bananas and plantains, the "unparalleled duo" - have different roles in weight loss and bowel movements

Bananas can help you lose weight, and plantains help with bowel movements! In Taiwan, bananas and plantains are known as the "two greatest bananas." They have similar nutritional components but are very different in appearance. Doctors point out that bananas and plantains are low-GI "happy foods" that are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fiber. They can increase satiety, assist in weight loss and prevent constipation.

Liu Boen, executive director of the Taiwan Obesity Prevention and Health Education Association and a weight loss specialist, pointed out that bananas and plantains belong to the genus Musa in the Musaceae family and are two varieties of the same family. Although the color, fragrance, taste and shape are very similar, to distinguish the difference between the "peerless pair of bananas", we must first start from the three aspects of appearance, color and taste.

Bananas and plantains have different colors, aromas and flavors

Plantains are plump and short (as shown in the picture) and are rich in vitamin A.

1. Appearance: Bananas are thin and long, while plantains are fat and short.

2. Color: Bananas are yellow-green, while plantains are beige.

3. Taste: Strong banana aroma and sweet taste. Although bananas taste sweet, they also have a sour aftertaste.

In addition, in terms of nutrition, plantains and bananas are rich in nutrients, but they are high in potassium and magnesium. Usually potassium can prevent blood pressure from rising, while magnesium can eliminate fatigue. However, plantains are rich in vitamin A, contain more dietary fiber and a large amount of water-soluble plant fiber than bananas, which can help gastrointestinal motility, prevent constipation, and assist in weight loss.

The calories in one banana are about 120 calories, which is much lower than the calories in half a bowl of rice.

Bananas help with weight loss but are not suitable for chronic diseases

Because Chinese people generally like bananas much more than plantains. Dr. Liu Bo-en emphasized that Taiwan is the "Banana Kingdom" because bananas contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, fructose and other nutrients. The calories in one banana are about 120 calories, which is much lower than the calories in half a bowl of rice, so some people often use it to lose weight.

If you want to use bananas to lose weight, it is recommended to choose one meal, lunch or dinner, and eat the banana first and then the meal. Fill your stomach with fruit before the meal, use fruit to increase your sense of fullness, reduce your food intake, and also take into account nutritional balance. However, this is not recommended for people with known chronic metabolic syndrome; patients with diabetes or kidney disease should eat bananas with caution.

Bananas are happy food. Eat banana peels when you are heartbroken.

In addition, don’t think that “eating banana peels after a breakup” is just a joke. Doctors recommend choosing green banana peels to be effective because green banana peels are rich in 5HT, a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin, which can help people who have been heartbroken to calm their nerves and stabilize their emotions. It is recommended to add 1-2 banana peels to milk (250 ml) and blend them into juice, which will have a better effect.

It should also be noted that when bananas are ripe, black spots will appear on the peel. Studies have found that they contain lectin, an antioxidant that is formed when crops with high carbohydrate content ripen. It is a good thing, and consumers do not need to think that bananas are overripe and not eat or throw them away, thus letting the nutrients slip away.

Consumers are reminded that if they are dialysis patients, they should only eat half a banana, because it contains a lot of potassium and may cause arrhythmia symptoms; secondly, it is recommended to eat the fruit directly and chew it more for better health.