Eating a banana before exercise can not only quickly replenish energy and help you perform at your best, but also support muscle health. According to Yahoo News, bananas are rich in potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that is essential for regulating blood pressure and maintaining kidney and nerve function.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a banana contains approximately 451 milligrams of potassium, which is approximately a large portion of the recommended daily intake for men (3,400 milligrams) and women (2,600 milligrams).
Inadequate potassium levels may lead to muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, weakness and fatigue.
"Bananas are a convenient and nutritious source of energy for sports." Amy Stephens, a sports nutritionist at New York University, said in an interview with Health magazine. "They contain key nutrients, such as potassium and carbohydrates, that help improve athletic performance."
Professional athletes have long known the benefits of bananas, and you can benefit from them, too. In fact, bananas have much more nutritional value than just potassium. It is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, with one banana containing approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates, helping to replenish the body's main source of energy.
For people who engage in endurance sports (such as long-distance running, cycling), appropriate carbohydrate supplementation can improve physical performance and endurance.
According to Harvard Medical School, bananas are also rich in magnesium, another important electrolyte that contributes to heart health and may even be beneficial to brain function. Potassium and magnesium are essential for maintaining body hydration and muscle function.
In addition, another major advantage of bananas is that they are easy to digest. They are gentle on the gastrointestinal tract and are not easy to cause discomfort. They are often recommended for people with nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. The timing of eating bananas is also important. The best time to eat bananas is between 10 minutes and 1 hour before exercise.