Behind the delicious taste, there are many benefits of banana kepok that you can get. These benefits come from a variety of nutritional content in it, ranging from vitamins, minerals, to antioxidants.
Banana kepok is one type of banana that is easily found in Indonesia. The skin has a fairly thick texture, while the flesh is denser and not as sweet as bananas in general.
Therefore, kepok bananas are more often processed into various snacks, such as boiled bananas, banana compote, fried bananas, and banana chips.
Nutrient Content in Banana Kepok
Similar to other types of bananas, kepok bananas also contain a variety of nutrients. The following are some of the nutrients contained in kepok bananas:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
In addition, kepok bananas also contain vitamin B6, zinc, folate, phosphorus, as well as various antioxidants, such as lutein, flavonoids, saponins, and beta carotene.
Benefits of Kepok Bananas for Health
Because of its diverse nutritional content, there are a number of benefits that can be obtained from kepok bananas, including:
1. Smooth the digestive tract
Kepok bananas are known as one of the fruits that are rich in fiber. Thanks to this content, banana kepok is good for consumption to improve digestion and prevent constipation. The fiber content in kepok bananas also has prebiotic properties that can support the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
2. Maintain heart health
In addition to improving digestion, the fiber content in kepok bananas can also reduce cholesterol absorption, thereby lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
Meanwhile, the potassium content in the kepok banana is also able to lower blood pressure and keep it stable. These benefits make kapok bananas good for consumption to prevent hypertension and heart disease.
3. Control blood sugar
Not only high in fiber, banana kepok is also rich in minerals and antioxidants. This content is known to be useful in lowering blood sugar levels and making the hormone insulin work more effectively. Thus, the risk of diabetes will decrease.
However, to get these benefits, you are advised to choose kepok bananas that are not too ripe and process them in a healthy way, such as steaming or roasting.
4. Counteract the effects of free radicals
Banana kepok is one type of fruit that is rich in antioxidants. This content is able to increase endurance and protect body cells from the effects of exposure to free radicals that can trigger various diseases, such as cancer and degenerative diseases.
The antioxidant content in kepok bananas is also useful for reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of tumor or cancer cells.
5. Relievemorning sickness to pregnant women
In the first trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women often experience morning sickness which can cause several symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue.
The content of vitamin B6 in kepok bananas is known to be able to relieve symptoms morning sickness. However, not only with kepok bananas, pregnant women can also cope morning sickness by drinking enough water and avoiding high-fat foods.
6. Prevent anemia
Anemia is a condition when the body lacks red blood cells, so oxygen cannot be circulated properly throughout the body. Anemia is often asymptomatic. However, if left untreated, this disease can cause symptoms in the form of fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
To prevent anemia, you are advised to eat foods rich in iron and folate, including kepok bananas.
7. Lose weight
Some people think that the high carbohydrate content in kepok bananas can cause weight gain, so their consumption is often avoided when on a diet.
In fact, the type of carbohydrates in bananas are complex carbohydrates which are healthier and can make you feel full longer. This will make it easier for you to lose weight without feeling hungry.
Although the benefits of kepok bananas are quite a lot, you still need to pay attention to how to process them. This fruit should be processed by boiling, steaming, roasting, or processed into juice or smoothies.
To be healthier, you should not add a lot of sugar or additional sweeteners when processing banana kepok. In addition, you also need to eat other balanced nutritious foods, such as vegetables, to complement your daily nutritional intake.
If you still have questions about the benefits of kepok bananas or a healthy diet that suits your health condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.