{"id":9561,"date":"2023-12-21T19:15:46","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T12:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9561"},"modified":"2023-12-21T19:15:46","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T12:15:46","slug":"why-eating-bananas-and-longevity-are-connected-wellgood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9561","title":{"rendered":"Why Eating Bananas and Longevity Are Connected| Well+Good"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span>n the quest to forge healthy habits, we all too often start off with lofty goals just to lose steam relatively quickly. (Case in point: An estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chamberofcommerce.org\/top-new-years-resolutions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.chamberofcommerce.org\/top-new-years-resolutions\">80 percent<\/a> of New Year\u2019s resolutions fail across the board, with most people giving up by January 19.) Rather than going for the proverbial gold only to risk dropping out of the race, it can be in your best interest to recognize and keep up with a few <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-for-longevity-tips\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-for-longevity-tips\/\">healthy habits<\/a> that are probably in your routine already.<\/div>\n<p>Take, for instance, stocking up on a bunch of bananas during your weekly grocery haul. Munching on this ubiquitous but powerful fruit may actually be one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diets-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diets-for-longevity\/\">simplest pro-aging dietary hacks<\/a> at your disposal. Ahead, Bianca Tamburello, RDN, an NYC-based dietitian with <a href=\"https:\/\/freshcommunications.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/freshcommunications.com\/\">FRESH Communications<\/a>, explains why.<\/p>\n<h2>Why eating bananas and longevity go hand in hand<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Flavonoids<\/h3>\n<p>As a friendly reminder, antioxidants stave off oxidative stress\u2014the latter of which not only accelerates aging but is also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/nutritionsource\/antioxidants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/nutritionsource\/antioxidants\/\">associated with a greater risk<\/a> of disease and mortality from all causes. In turn, higher intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies can effectively promote your healthspan (aka a longer <em>and<\/em> healthier life). \u201cBananas are packed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7697716\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7697716\/\">flavonoids<\/a>, a specific type of antioxidant, that offers anti-inflammatory benefits to promote healthy aging,\u201d Tamburello explains. \u201cPreventing chronic inflammation is important because it\u2019s associated with certain diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bananas-longevity\/\" current-title=\"Why Eating a Banana a Day Can Make Your Bones Stronger\u2014And Help You Live Longer\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Stocksy_txp725dac8bN8r300_Small_615897_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-06-21\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bananas-longevity\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bananas-longevity\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bananas-longevity\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>2. Soluble fiber<\/h3>\n<p>Unfortunately, the majority of Americans <a href=\"https:\/\/nutrition.org\/most-americans-are-not-getting-enough-fiber-in-our-diets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/nutrition.org\/most-americans-are-not-getting-enough-fiber-in-our-diets\/\">don\u2019t get enough<\/a> of the all-important nutrient of fiber. But the good news is that bananas\u2014a large one of which packs <a href=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/173944\/nutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/fdc.nal.usda.gov\/fdc-app.html#\/food-details\/173944\/nutrients\">3.5 grams<\/a> of total dietary fiber\u2014can make a dent on the recommended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/protein-breakfast\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/protein-breakfast\/\">21 to 38 gram<\/a> daily quota. \u201cSoluble fiber found in bananas promotes heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels,\u201d Tamburello shares. \u201cThis type of fiber also helps balance blood sugar and can contribute to managing or preventing type 2 diabetes risk.\u201d Last but not least, fiber is famed for its abilities to promote digestive regularity and nourish the gut.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Resistant starch<\/h3>\n<p>To amplify the gut-friendly benefits of bananas, you may want to keep an eye out for unripe green bananas, as they provide a special type of fiber called resistant starch. \u201cResistant starch acts as a prebiotic and feeds healthy gut bacteria to promote a balanced microbiome,\u201d says Tamburello. ICYMI, thriving gut health supports a healthy body and mind in countless ways. \u201cEmerging research has shown that a healthy gut can promote better health throughout the whole body including heart health, immunity, and even mental health,\u201d the dietitian continues. \u201cLike soluble fiber, resistant starch also promotes healthy blood sugar levels.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>4. Potassium<\/h3>\n<p>Bananas are well-known as a great source of potassium, a mineral that\u2019s crucial to prioritize as the years pass by. \u201cEating more potassium is associated with higher bone mineral density, which declines as we age,\u201d Tamburello explains. (Tip: To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/morning-habits-bone-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/morning-habits-bone-health\/\">proactively minimize bone loss<\/a>, be sure to include calcium and vitamin D in your daily diet, as well.) Bone health benefits aside, she adds that potassium promotes healthy kidney function, supports muscle recovery, and may help lower blood pressure levels.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Vitamin C<\/h3>\n<p>Move over oranges: Bananas are also a valid source of vitamin C, a crucial vitamin and antioxidant that can bolster immune function day in and day out. \u201cBananas offer a significant amount of vitamin C (12 percent daily value), [which] supports a strong immune system and wound healing,\u201d Tamburello shares. In addition, she says that some micronutrients (C among them) can potentially help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/vitamins-amd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/vitamins-amd\">slow down age-related macular degeneration<\/a>, though research is still ongoing.<\/p>\n<h2>The takeaway on the &#8220;banana a day keeps the doctor away&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p>To maintain momentum with your pro-aging goals, it\u2019s worth looking at easy peasy foods and habits that are already in your rotation\u2014with your banana intake among them. After all, healthy dietary and lifestyle staples that you can adopt on a consistent basis are your best bet to support well-being now and for years to come.<\/p>\n<p>Tamburello says that most people can benefit from eating one serving of the fruit a day. To get creative with your banana game, she suggests:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stirring small pieces into your morning oats until they dissolve<\/li>\n<li>Mashing them as a base for pancakes or low-sugar pastries<\/li>\n<li>Slicing and dipping them in peanut butter<\/li>\n<li>Blending frozen bananas with vanilla and cinnamon for an ice cream-like dessert<\/li>\n<li>Dipping them in dark chocolate and freezing them for a crunchy treat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On a parting note, though bananas can surely prove to be beneficial on the aging front, remember that it\u2019s only one part of a larger whole. \u201cKeep in mind that one food will not act as a magic bullet to healthy aging and that a varied diet is important,\u201d Tamburello concludes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Ullah, Asad et al. \u201cImportant Flavonoids and Their Role as a Therapeutic Agent.\u201d\u00a0<i>Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)<\/i>\u00a0vol. 25,22 5243. 11 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390\/molecules25225243            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the quest to forge healthy habits, we all too often start off with lofty goals just to lose steam relatively quickly. (Case in point: An estimated 80 percent of New Year\u2019s resolutions fail across the board, with most people giving up by January 19.) Rather than going for the proverbial gold only to risk &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9561","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9561"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9561\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}