Of all women, 7% suffer from a common condition known as PCOS.
The only way to deal with this condition is to follow a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. However, many people with PCOS may shy away from eating fruit.
Bananas, in particular, have become a topic of discussion. So, is this fruit suitable for people with PCOS? Let’s find out.
Banana nutritional values
100 grams of raw banana (medium size) contains:
- Calories: 89 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22.84 grams
- Dietary fiber: 12.23 grams
- Sugar: 2.6 grams
- Fat: 0.33 grams
- Protein: 1.09 grams
- Vitamin B6: 0.4 mg
- Vitamin C: 8.7 mg
- Manganese: 0.27 mg
- Potassium: 358 mg
- Magnesium: 27 mg
PCOS and nutrition: the relationship
First, we must understand the condition itself to understand what can help treat it. PCOS, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that can occur in women of childbearing age. In these individuals, their ovaries appear to be producing far more than the average male hormone (androgens).
Normally, these hormones are found in smaller amounts in women. Due to this overproduction, the ovaries find themselves unable to ovulate or release eggs, which leads to irregular periods and other debilitating symptoms.
Read more: PCOS Diet – Symptoms, Causes, Foods, and Diet Plan
One symptom of this health condition is insulin resistance, in which the cells of the body become less sensitive to the effects of insulin. Unfortunately, insulin resistance is common in individuals with PCOS, with up to 95% of people suffering from this problem. This problem exacerbates the metabolic and reproductive disorders associated with PCOS and increases the risk of other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Now, diet and nutrition are the factors that can increase or decrease inflammation and insulin resistance, which would also do the same for its risks and symptoms as well.
An example of this is that excessive intake of simple sugars, such as soft drinks, juices, and processed foods, is strongly associated with persistent inflammation and insulin resistance. What’s more, women with lower levels of inflammation tend to eat more foods with anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-controlling properties.
These foods include fiber, complex carbohydrates, seafood, nuts and legumes. Instead, they consume foods that contain polyunsaturated and trans fats, which can exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance.
Bananas and PCOS: The Connection
Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition. They are rich in phytonutrients such as antioxidants, such as dopamine and catechin. It is also a natural and high source of vitamin B6, fiber, potassium and magnesium. Vitamin Cand manganese.
A common symptom of PCOS is weight gain, which results from increased androgen production and insulin resistance in the body. This is why individuals with this problem need to understand and keep track of what they are eating to prevent sudden weight gain.
Bananas help in losing weight because they contain fewer calories than other fruits and are high in fiber. It helps your stomach feel less hungry and more satiated for longer and will help you avoid large meals and snacks throughout the day.
Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of oxidative stress, which requires more antioxidants. Bananas contain a large number of antioxidants. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Bananas have a moderate glycemic index 42 to 62. While an average GI may sound intimidating, bananas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Bananas are also a great source of B vitamins, which help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. So, the best way to eat bananas is in moderation.
HealthifyMe note
Bananas provide us with a lot of nutrition. They are a good source of vitamins, potassium and fiber. However, they have a medium glycemic index, which can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. This is why it is best to eat bananas in moderation when you have PCOS.
conclusion
If you are wondering if bananas are good for PCOS, the answer is yes, but it is necessary to consider everything. Bananas are a good source of nutrition in general, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plenty of potassium. However, women with PCOS are prone to insulin resistance, so they cannot risk high blood sugar levels.
In addition, bananas have a moderate glycemic index, which means that in moderation, their consumption is good for those suffering from PCOS. However, excessive consumption may cause blood glucose levels to rise or increase.
