Here are a few interesting facts about Bananas.
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A Banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two Bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minutes workout. No wonder the Banana is the number one fruit amongst the world’s leading athletes.
But energy isn’t the only way a Banana can help us stay fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression – According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a Banana. This is because Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to relax you, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
Premenstrual Syndrome – Bananas contain vitamin B6 that regulates the blood glucose levels, which in turn helps in maintaining your mood.
Anemia – High in iron, Bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood, thus helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure – This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure, so much so that the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the Banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power – 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (England) were helped through their exams by eating Bananas at breakfast and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation – High in fiber, including Bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers – One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a Banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The Banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey it builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn – Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a Banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness – Snacking on Bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Insect Bites – Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a Banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves – Bananas are high in vitamin B that calms the nervous system..
Overweight and at work – Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours.
Ulcers – The Banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature Control – Bananas are seen as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat Bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many illnesses. When you compare it to an Apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, FIVE TIMES the vitamin A and iron, and TWICE the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So may be its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!’
Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time 😛
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