The morning banana diet was developed by the Japanese Hitoshi Watanabe and his wife. She gradually gained popularity, especially after opera singer Kumiko Mori announced that she had lost 7 kg, thanks to the regime.
The main rule in the diet is to have breakfast only with bananas and to consume water at room temperature. There are no special restrictions on the lunch and dinner menu. The last meal should be before 8 p.m.
It is not recommended to consume only ice cream, dairy products, alcohol, dessert after dinner and other beverages other than water.
How does the diet work?
There are various explanations for exactly how the banana diet works. According to one theory, certain enzymes in the fetus stimulate digestion and excretory processes, which leads to rapid weight loss.
Another theory suggests that the content of a kind of indigestible fiber in bananas helps to reduce weight. They are rich in resistant starch, which helps to reduce appetite and on the other hand to burn fat.
This type of starch is also found in other carbohydrate foods, such as potatoes, cereals and legumes.
Studies show that indigestible fiber helps block the conversion of certain carbohydrates. Even so, bananas have a relatively low fiber content - between 2-4 g. To be considered a good source of fiber, food should contain between 3.5-4.9 g per serving, experts say.
Bananas actually have valuable properties and in combination with other fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. But, it has not been proven to have special properties for weight loss.
In order to achieve a slimming effect, sufficient physical activity and control of calorie intake is necessary. It is important that the choice of food is healthy.