PCOS is a condition in which women have an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Often, the ovaries produce an excess of the male hormone, testosterone, and a lack of the female hormone, estrogen. The body doesn't go through regular ovulation, so the eggs that are not correctly released each month often swell and cluster around the ovaries, forming cysts.
Symptoms of PCOS
To be officially diagnosed as PCOS, women will likely have at least two of the following symptoms.
- High levels of the androgen, or male hormone
- Testosterone (which often leads to the trademark symptoms of excess body hair, or Hirsutism, and cystic acne)
- Irregular or painful menstrual cycles, or tiny cysts, often only show up via ultrasound.
- Ironically, having the actual ovarian cysts is not always a vital symptom of the condition.
- This weight loss resistance stems from the patients' hormonal imbalance, which leads to difficulty processing insulin. Because of their weight, PCOS patients often have higher rates of sleep apnea, joint pain, and infertility.
Because women with PCOS have been shown to have low-grade inflammation, elevated inflammatory signals can raise insulin, contributing to worsening PCOS symptoms. The best inflammation-fighting antioxidant-filled foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.
Also read: Cure PCOS at home naturally
Foods to avoid on a PCOS Diet
When you're eating to alleviate PCOS symptoms, you'll want to avoid the following foods that can spike blood sugar, increase inflammation, and cause weight gain. Between exercising and eating healthy, you will be able to manage irregular periods due to PCOS as well!
Banana Nutrition facts
Bananas are a healthy source of fibre, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants and phytonutrients. Many types and sizes exist. Their colour usually ranges from green to yellow, but some varieties are red.
The nutrition facts for one medium-sized banana (100 grams) are
Calories: 89
Water: 75%
Protein: 1.1 grams
Carbohydrate: 22.8 grams
Fibre: 2.6 grams
Fat: 0.3 grams
Banana Benefits for PCOS
Bananas Have A Low Glycemic Index
Bananas have a relatively low glycemic index (GI) of 42–58, depending on their ripeness. The GI is a measure of how quickly carbs in food enter your bloodstream and raise blood sugar. Bananas' high content of resistant starch and fibre explains their low GI. A high proportion of the starch in unripe bananas is resistant starch, which passes through your gut undigested.
Bananas Improve Gut Health
In your large intestine, this starch is fermented by bacteria to form butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that appears to have beneficial effects on gut health.
Banana As a Natural Source Of Fibre
Bananas are also a good source of other types of fibre, such as pectin. Some of the pectin in bananas is water-soluble.
When bananas ripen, the proportion of water-soluble pectin increases, which is one of the main reasons why bananas turn soft as they age.
Both pectin and resistant starch moderate the rise in blood sugar levels after a meal.
Also read: Bananas for UTI: Is it Effective?
Nutritional Value of Banana for PCOS
Bananas are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C
- Potassium. Bananas are a good source of potassium. A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels and benefits heart health.
- Vitamin B6. Bananas are high in vitamin B6. One medium-sized banana can provide up to 33% of this vitamin's Daily Value (DV).
- Vitamin C. Like most fruit, bananas are a good source of vitamin C
- Like other fruits, bananas contain several antioxidants that come with multiple health benefits. These include dopamine and catechin.
There are mixed opinions on whether bananas are good for people with PCOS.
Bananas are indeed high in starch and sugar. Thus, one might expect them to cause a significant rise in blood sugar. But due to their low GI or glycemic index, moderate consumption of bananas should not raise blood sugar levels nearly as much as other high-carb foods.
Also read: Best drinks for PCOS
Best way to consume banana for PCOS
Bananas are among the world's most commonly consumed fruits; it is undoubtedly a healthy option for all individuals. Moderation and selecting the right banana according to its colour, ripeness, and having it properly are required to maintain sugar levels in your body.
It can be included as a snack in its natural fruit form or used in vegetable preparation. Try to consume the fruit as a whole and closest to its source to get maximum nutrient benefits.
