The Benefits of Banana Flour: An Unbeatable Superfood for Your Diet
The Benefits of Banana Flour: An Unbeatable Superfood for Your Diet
At first glance, banana flour sounds like it should be used for baking banana bread. However, this neutral-tasting flour is much healthier and more versatile than that. It’s made from the pulp of overripe bananas (similar to how apples are used to make apple cider vinegar), which is then dried and ground into a powder. With almost no carbs or fat, this flour has some surprising benefits. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and full of vitamins B6 and C as well as potassium. It also has a low glycemic index—so it won’t spike your blood sugar—and is a fantastic alternative for people who have diabetes or follow a ketogenic diet. Here are some other great reasons to add banana flour to your diet:
It’s an excellent source of probiotics.
Banana flour contains a rich source of probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that are beneficial for your gut health and digestive system by improving gut bacterial balance and preventing illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome. A 2010 study published in the “Journal of Food Science” found that banana flour was able to increase the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a strain of probiotic bacteria in the gut. Banana flour may also help prevent and ease digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation and bloating.
It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Banana flour has a lot of vitamins and minerals that are great for your health and promote overall wellness. These include calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, selenium, thiamin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for strong and healthy bones. Iron is important for red blood cells, which help deliver oxygen throughout your body. Magnesium is another mineral that is important for strong bones, as well as regulating blood pressure. Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate our electrolytes, which is important for keeping our nervous system and heart healthy. Niacin aids in regulating cholesterol, while selenium and thiamin are two B vitamins that help prevent diseases like heart disease and stroke.
It has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Banana flour contains a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in “The Journal of Nutrition” explains that pectin can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as promote gut health. This can be helpful for those who suffer from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
It may help control your weight.
Due to its high fiber and low glycemic index, banana flour may be an excellent option for those trying to lose weight. A study published in “Journal of the American Dietetic Association” found that diets high in fiber can help you feel full and satisfied, allowing you to eat smaller portions and lose weight.
You can use it to make pancakes and waffles.
Baked goods made from banana flour are gluten-free and are a great low-fat alternative for people with a dairy allergy. They’re also good for those on a low-carb diet because they have very few carbs and sugar. Banana flour pancakes and waffles can be made with just bananas, eggs and any other ingredients you’d like to add. Since banana flour is gluten-free and low in both carbs and fat, these pancakes are a healthy and filling choice for breakfast. Banana flour waffles are also a healthy choice, but they do have more fat and carbs than pancakes made from banana flour.
Conclusion
Banana flour is a great source of vitamins and minerals, has anti-inflammatory properties and may also help you lose weight. It tastes great in baked goods and can also be used in other recipes like banana bread or muffins. If you’re looking to add more superfoods to your diet, then banana flour is a great choice. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, is low in fat and is a healthy alternative for people with diabetes or who follow a keto diet.
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