can also
eat Banana. Banana also have a little bit of B12.
The best benefit of banana is that it can fight depression, as
it contains tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts
into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and
generally make you feel happier.
Nutritional
Benefits
Bananas
have very high content of potassium, a mineral that is essential to
the normal muscular function, in both voluntary muscles (e.g. the
arms and hands) and involuntary muscles (e.g. the heart and
intestines).
They are
also a good source of dietary fiber, and low in saturated fat and
cholesterol. This is also one of the few fruits which contain the
entire range of vitamin B—thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin
(B3), folic acid (B6) and very little B5 and B12.
Compared
to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the
carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A
and iron, and twice all the other vitamins and minerals.
Along
with all the above, bananas also contain ample amounts of copper
(to prevent graying hair), chromium, fluoride, manganese, selenium
(to prevent pigmentation) and zinc. It's really an amazing
fruit!
Thank
God for bananas. J
Health
Benefits
Bananas
have been known to alleviate a number of short and long term
conditions. When taken consistently over time, it has also been
reported to cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as
40%!
Banana
consumption has been reported to be effective in overcoming or
preventing many illnesses and conditions. Here is a mention of only
a few of them:
Anemia:
Bananas provide iron which is essential for the production of
hemoglobin, myoglobin and many enzymes essential for the formation
of red blood cells.
Blood
Pressure: A recent study has revealed that "two bananas a
day will keep blood pressure at bay". This is definitely a cheaper
and definitely a much healthier alternative to expensive
drugs.
Brain
Food: Research has shown that students eating banana at
breakfast, break and lunch are more alert in the class. The
potassium in banana boost their brain power, assisting much in
their learning ability.
Constipation:
The pectin content in bananas is water-absorbent, creating the
necessary bulk in easing constipation. Definitely a healthier
choice over laxatives.
Diarrhea:
Eat a ripe banana. It normalizes colonic functions in the large
intestine by absorbing large amounts of water and helps regulate
proper bowel movements.
Energy:
The carbohydrates content in bananas is used as fuel for your
muscles. Eating bananas is a good energy booster for
athletes.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer
from heartburn, try eating a banana to counteract the stomach
acidity for a soothing relief.
Morning
Sickness: Snacking on bananas frequently helps to keep
your blood sugar levels up, thus preventing the nauseous
feeling.
Mosquito
bites: When stung by a mosquito, try rubbing the affected
area with the inside of a banana skin. It is amazingly effective at
reducing swelling and itchiness.
Muscle
Cramps: A deficiency in potassium can cause muscular
cramps and greater susceptibility to injury. Make bananas a regular
part of your diet if you exercise a lot, both for an energy boost
and to prevent cramps and injuries.
Quit
Smoking: The vitamins B6 and B12, and the
potassium-magnesium combination found in bananas has a profound
effect in helping the body recover from nicotine withdrawal of one
who is trying to quit smoking.
Stomach
Ulcer: This is the only fruit that a chronic ulcer
sufferer can eat without causing distress to the stomach. It
neutralizes the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduces the
irritation of the ulcer by coating the stomach lining. Ripe bananas
relieve acute symptoms and promote the healing process.
Stress:
When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, causing the body
potassium levels to be reduced. By snacking on the potassium-packed
banana, it helps to rebalance the vital mineral, and helps
normalize the heartbeat. This in turn sends oxygen to the brain and
regulates the body's water balance.
To top
Consumption
Tips
Eat
bananas when they just about ripe. This is the time when the
carbohydrate content is less than when it gets fully ripe.
Unripened bananas do not taste as good and may be difficult to
digest. Keep raw bananas at room temperature so that it will ripen
naturally.
We
cannot juice bananas, but I am covering bananas in this juicing
site because of its superior benefits.
The
closest we get to juicing bananas is by blending them with a
blender together with other juices, making rich, creamy and yummy
smoothies.
Other fruits
and vegetables with high content of potassium: oranges,
avocados, spinach, celery and turnips.
Caution
While
bananas may be wonderful in countering all the above, be
moderate on your banana consumption. Extremely
high intake of potassium (eating bananas by the bunches everyday)
may cause cardiac arrest (where the heart suddenly
stops).
Too much
iron can cause unhealthy iron deposits in the body, which can lead
to production of free radicals. Overdoses can cause bleeding from
the stomach or intestines, a drop in blood pressure, liver damage
and reduced resistance to infections.
Bananas
must not be consumed by those who are suffering from kidney failure
because of its high potassium content.
