Skip to content

3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Bananas Every Day to Burn Fat

Discover how this humble fruit can be your secret weapon for weight loss and better health.
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Are you looking for a simple, delicious, and effective way to enhance your weight loss journey? The solution might be simpler than you think: bananas. This seemingly ordinary fruit is packed with extraordinary benefits that not only support fat burning but also boost your overall health. Whether you're trying to shed a few pounds or simply looking for a nutritious snack to add to your daily routine, bananas can be a game-changer. From balancing blood sugar levels to providing a quick energy boost, bananas are far more than just a sweet treat—they're a nutritional powerhouse. Keep reading to discover how incorporating bananas into your diet can help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your well-being in more ways than one.

Bananas and Blood Sugar

Worker in fruits and vegetables shop is holding bananas. Close up of bananas.
Shutterstock

"Here's the truth about bananas, diabetes, and weight gain. Number one, bananas are a perfect food for balancing your blood sugar. This is due to their high water content, high fiber content, and nutrient density," says Robby Barbaro, MPH, in one of his popular videos. He's a New York Times bestselling author of the book Mastering Diabetes who has been living with type 1 diabetes since 2000.

Addressing Insulin Resistance

Fresh bananas on wooden background
Shutterstock

"Number two, if your blood sugar spikes when you eat bananas, that means you're insulin resistant. Consider the spike a blessing in disguise. It's time to reverse insulin resistance," says Barbaro in his video.

Banana Varieties

woman's hand choosing bananas from food counter in supermarket.
Shutterstock

"Number three, there are over 1,000 different varieties of bananas. I had some praying hands and ice cream bananas. They were absolutely outrageous. I hope you get to try some as well," says Barbaro.

RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Bananas: More Than Just Energy

banana
Shutterstock

"Many people generally assume bananas as fruits that will make you gain weight due to its high carbohydrate content, and should be consumed before or during exercises for an instant energy boost. However, bananas are more than just sources of energy, but a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can boost overall health," says Dr. Chen Yiming, an online wellness educator, in one of his popular videos.

Nutritional Profile of Bananas

Young cauciasian fitness woman wearing sport clothes training outdoors eating healthy banana and showing proud arm muscle.
Shutterstock

"Firstly, we will dwell into the basic nutritional effects of a banana. One medium-sized banana has 105 kilo calories with 1.29 grams of protein, 0.4 grams of fat and 27 grams of carbohydrate. It has a fiber content of 3.07 grams and total sugars of 14.4 grams," says Dr. Yiming in his video.

RELATED: I Lost 20 Pounds in 4 Months And Here's What I Eat in a Day

Top Health Benefits of Bananas

banana
Shutterstock

"Here are the top few health benefits of bananas. Number one, it helps to manage high blood pressure. Bananas are a rich source of potassium. Each medium-sized banana delivers about 450 milligrams or 13% of your daily requirement. It helps in lowering blood pressure through regulating the levels of sodium in the body. It can also help to lower stroke risks and prevent kidney stones," says Dr. Yiming.

Weight and Diabetes Management

Girl eating banana on the beach against the backdrop of the hill
Shutterstock

"Number two helps with weight and diabetes management. The high fiber in bananas is beneficial for weight management as fiber intake helps make you feel fuller without overeating," Dr Yiming advises.

Fiber Benefits

Boxes of green bananas ready to be sent to the market
Shutterstock

"Fiber also reduces the absorption of fat and carbohydrates when food travels through the gut. Green bananas contain resistance, touch, or insoluble fiber. It is also able to add size and density to the stools, which encourage just easier channeling of food through the digestive system. That helps to fight constipation. It may also regulate blood sugar levels, thereby helping manage diabetes," says Dr Yiming in his video. "However, because the resistance starch changes to simple sugars when they turn yellow, it is advisable for diabetic patients to stick to the unripe variant in state," says Dr. Yiming.

RELATED: I Drank a Gallon of Water Every Day for a Week and Here's What Happened

Promoting Gut Health

Close up of man holding peeled banana in outdoor background.
Shutterstock

"Number three, promotes gut health. Bananas are rich in prebiotics, which is a food source for the good bacteria in our gut caught probiotics. Prebiotics are known to help treat some gastrointestinal infections and also ease irritable bowel syndrome or IBS," says Dr. Yiming.

Energy for Workouts

Two female friends in sportive clothes is in the gym earing fruits and taking a break.
Shutterstock

"Number four, energy for workouts like mentioned yellow bananas are a healthy source of energy as they are high in simple sugar plus are fat and cholesterol free. It is also convenient to pack and can serve as ideal pre or post-workout snacks," says Dr. Yiming.

RELATED: I'm a Nutritionist and This Is the One Habit Worth Adopting to Transform Your Body

Skin Benefits

Woman eating banana at the gym for energy
Shutterstock

"Number five, bananas are actually good for the skin. Bananas are rich in manganese, which helps the body produce collagen and protect cells from the stress of free radicals," Dr. Yiming shares.

Vitamin-Rich

Portrait of beautiful young woman enjoying breakfast at home.
Shutterstock

"Last but not the least, it is rich in vitamins A, B, six, and C. Vitamin A is good for your eyes and may help protect your body from cancer. Vitamin B6 helps the body metabolize macronutrients in the energy into energy. And vitamin C helps protect the body cells from free radical damage and is able to bolster the immune system, aiding the body to heal faster," says. Dr Yiming.

RELATED: 20 Superfoods for People Over 50

Simple Ways to Include Bananas in Your Diet

Dr. Yiming in his video shared simple ways to include bananas in your diet.

"Banana Pancakes: Fry a mixture of mashed bananas and whisked eggs over low or medium heat.

Banana Smoothie: Blend one frozen banana with milk and a few ice cubes.

Banana Sandwich: Use two slices of whole-grain bread with sliced bananas and peanut butter.

Banana Fruit Salad: Slice your favorite fruits and add banana slices for extra flavor and health benefits.

One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream: Slice and freeze one or two bananas, then blend them into a creamy consistency and freeze again before consuming." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Alek Korab
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network Read more