The banana diet was created in Japan by physician Hitoshi and his pharmacist wife Sumiko Watanabe, both specialists in preventive medicine. In 2008, the diet went viral in Japan promising fast and efficient weight loss. However, recently the banana diet has gained momentum again among Brazilians.
Read also: If you have diabetes absolutely do not eat these foods
Considered as the breakfast diet , the banana diet can help in the weight loss process because the fruit contains several benefits, including components that are able to avoid binge eating. Check out how the banana diet works and what are its benefits!
How does the banana diet work?
The indicated consumption is varied, while some say that you can eat as many bananas as you feel like, others say that the recommended thing is to consume only four bananas, accompanied by one or two glasses of water at room temperature or lukewarm.
What are the benefits?
Banana has numerous health benefits and can be a great ally for anyone in a weight loss process. For example, bananas are rich in fiber, which helps control appetite throughout the day. In addition, because it contains tryptophan and magnesium, bananas can also help prevent food compulsion.
“Banana is a fruit classified as a food with high nutritional value, being rich in potassium, B vitamins, magnesium, fiber and tryptophan. The fruit also has an antioxidant, antibacterial, antithrombotic, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effect, which prove that the fruit can be explored as a cheap food source rich in dietary .
Does the banana diet really work?
There is still no scientific evidence on the benefits of the banana diet for weight loss. Therefore, if you decide to go on a weight loss diet, the most advisable thing would be to consult a nutritionist, who will assess your nutritional needs and then draw up an individualized food plan.
Still according to nutrologist Jefferson Alexandre, exaggerated consumption can make weight loss difficult. “The weight reduction advocated by the banana diet would be due to the satiety caused by the fruit, by creating a kind of gel in the stomach that would lead to a delay in digestion, however, the exaggerated consumption of the fruit can make it difficult to lose weight, precisely because it is rich in carbohydrates, which increases the caloric value of meals”, adds Jefferson.
Contraindications
According to medical guidelines, patients with chronic kidney problems and/or diabetes are not indicated for this diet, since the first group should not consume large amounts of potassium and the second should avoid it because the fruit is rich in sugar.
Fruit consumption is recommended and brings satisfactory results for health, however, for a balanced diet that really helps in weight loss, it is necessary to stimulate other nutrients throughout the day. Therefore, the ideal is to seek professional follow-up and seek balance.