The secret to a long life of a Japanese woman comes from a fruit
According to LongeviQuest – an organization that verifies the age of long-lived people, Tomiko got married at the age of 20 and worked as an office manager at her husband’s factory during World War II. She is very active and enjoys hiking.
For her own record, she climbed Mount Ontake, which is 10,062 feet (about 3,000m) high, twice. In addition, she also made a pilgrimage of more than 600 miles (about 965m) to 33 temples in the Kansai region when she was in her 80s. It can be said that the habit of regular exercise is one of the secrets to her longevity.
As for choosing foods to eat every day, she always eats bananas every day to improve her health. Every morning when she wakes up, she drinks fermented milk, combined with eating 1 banana, which helps to effectively supplement fiber and nutrients. This fruit is widely available in Vietnam, but not everyone knows all its uses to use it more often.
In general, bananas contain natural carbohydrates such as sugar (glucose, fructose) and starch, providing a quick source of energy. Therefore, bananas are a great choice before or after exercise to maintain stable energy levels.
Bananas contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps regulate the digestive system. Soluble fiber helps absorb water, soften stools and prevent constipation, while insoluble fiber supports bowel movements.
In addition, bananas are easy to eat and suitable for all ages. This fruit can be processed into many dishes such as smoothies, cakes, or eaten directly as a healthy snack. According to experts, the benefits of bananas are also known as follows, which can be considered one of the secrets to longevity of the Japanese:
1. Helps improve brain health
Bananas are a fruit that can improve brain health thanks to the many essential nutrients they contain. In particular, bananas are rich in vitamin B6, an important factor in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances play a major role in improving mood, reducing stress and maintaining concentration and alertness of the brain.
In addition, the abundant amount of potassium in bananas also helps improve blood circulation, providing oxygen and nutrients to the brain, thereby enhancing memory and learning ability. In addition, bananas also contain antioxidants such as natural dopamine, which helps protect nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Helps control weight, lose weight effectively
The fiber in bananas, especially soluble fiber, helps create a feeling of fullness for a long time, reduces cravings and limits the amount of calories consumed in subsequent meals. At the same time, bananas have a relatively low glycemic index (GI), helping to release energy slowly, stabilize blood sugar and reduce the risk of weight gain due to uncontrolled snacking.
Bananas are low in fat and provide essential nutrients such as potassium and vitamin B6, helping to maintain energy for the body during exercise or weight loss. In addition, the natural sweetness of bananas can replace industrial sweets, helping you satisfy your taste buds without consuming too many unnecessary calories.
3. Improve skin and hair health
Vitamin C in bananas plays an important role in stimulating the production of collagen, an essential protein that helps firm, smooth skin, and fight signs of aging such as wrinkles or sagging. In addition, the antioxidants in bananas help protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, minimizing skin damage caused by sunlight and pollution.
For hair, the amount of potassium, vitamin B6, and essential nutrients in bananas nourish from deep within, helping to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and increase shine. On the other hand, bananas also provide natural moisture, help soothe dry skin, and nourish damaged hair.
4. Support bone and muscle health
Potassium is an important mineral that helps balance electrolytes and reduce the risk of muscle cramps, especially useful for people who regularly exercise or do heavy labor. At the same time, magnesium in bananas plays an important role in the process of muscle contraction and relaxation, supporting muscles to work more effectively.
Not only that, bananas also contribute to protecting bone health thanks to their ability to reduce calcium excretion through urine, helping to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, nutrients such as vitamin B6 and manganese in bananas also participate in the process of regenerating bone and muscle tissue, ensuring the body is always supple and healthy.
What to note when eating bananas to be healthy?
When eating bananas, there are some important notes to optimize health benefits and avoid unwanted side effects:
– Do not eat bananas on an empty stomach: Eating bananas on an empty stomach can suddenly increase blood sugar levels, causing fatigue or dizziness. Therefore, it is best to eat bananas after a snack, or combine them with some other foods to keep blood sugar levels stable.
– Choose moderately ripe bananas: Overripe bananas contain a lot of natural sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase rapidly, which is not good for people with diabetes or people who need to control their weight. You should choose bananas that are moderately ripe to provide energy without increasing blood sugar quickly.
– Eat in moderation: Although bananas are very good for health, eating too many bananas can lead to increased calories, increasing the risk of excess fat accumulation. Eating 1-2 bananas a day is enough to take advantage of the benefits without causing excess weight.
