Banana Magic – Every Reason To Go Bananas Over This Fruit
March 7, 2008
Banana is a common fruit available in abundance in most countries. There are available in wide varieties and a favorite of most athletes. If compared to an apple, banana has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorous, five times vitamin A and iron. It is also an excellent source of potassium and contains three natural sugars-sucrose, fructose and glucose along with fiber.
Research has proved that two bananas can provide enough energy for a strenuous ninety minutes workout. There are wide ranges of benefits of eating this magical fruit.
1) Blood Pressure: Banana contains low salt making it best for those suffering from high blood pressure.
2) Mood Swings: The vitamin B6 in banana regulates the blood glucose levels which assist in controlling mood swings. It is also known to calm the nerves because of its high vitamin B content.
3) Anemia: It is rich in iron and stimulates the production of haemoglobin in blood.
4) Depression: With a vast majority of the world population suffering from depression, a survey was conducted by MIND. They gave bananas to patients suffering from depression. The response was tremendous as many felt much better. Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which helps people relax and improves the general mindset. It is also recommended to those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
5) Alertness: Students at Twickenham, Middlessex United Kingdom faired well in their exams by eating banana three times a day with their meals. This proved to boost their alertness. Its potassium content enhances the mind to perform well.
6) Constipation: Bowel movement can be regularized with bananas as it is very high in fibre.
7) Hangover: Banana milkshake with a dash of honey works wonders for hangovers. The fruit calms the stomach, honey builds up the depleted sugar content and milk hydrates the body.
8) Heartburn And Ulcers: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. It is eaten widely against intestinal disorders because it is easily digestible. It neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating and lining of the stomach. So heartburn patients can find relief if they consume this fruit regularly.
9) Pregnancy: Morning sickness is common in pregnancy. Eating bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and can help in preventing bouts of morning sickness. In Thailand, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperament as this fruit can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of the expectant mothers.
10) Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal Of Medicine, regular intake of banana can cut the risk of stroke by 40%.
11) Smoking And Tobacco Abuse: Bananas play a vital role for those who have decided to quit smoking for good. It helps the body to recover faster from the nicotine withdrawal symptoms because of its potassium, magnesium, B6 and B12 vitamin content.
12) Stress Management: Potassium is vital in our diet as it helps to regulate the heartbeat and water balance of the body. When a person is highly stressed, the metabolic rate rises and reduces the potassium content. These levels can be balanced again by consuming banana.
13) Skin problems: Banana peel works wonders in our diet as well on our skin. Mosquito bites can be irritating and sometimes cause swelling, if the affected area is rubbed with the inside of a banana skin, it gives instant relief. Banana skin is known to work on warts as well. With the yellow side out, place the banana skin on the wart and set it with a plaster or surgical tape. Learn more on “Advantages Of Consuming Banana Peel.”
©Nayna Chakrabarty, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Similar Posts
Comments
6 Responses to “Banana Magic – Every Reason To Go Bananas Over This Fruit”
Got something to say?
please tell whether it is better to eat green banana or yellow banana
Hi Chakri,
Thanks for writing in and you have a good question. Both the green and yellow bananas are equally good. People who suffer from acidity or gastric problems are usually advised to go for yellow ones. If you don’t have such issues then feel free to try anything that is available.
Good Luck
For weight reduction, dietician claim that banana is not good. Is this true ? Or can any particular quantity per day/week/month which is not harmful
Hello Chandra Shekar,
Banana has essential components which is required by the body. The fiber, amounts of calcium and potassium is actually needed for the overall functioning of the metabolic rate. When anyone is on a weight loss program they want instant results and they blame the banana. The natural enzyme in banana cannot be replaced with anything else.
The best way to enjoy the benefits of banana is to have it in the mornings. It slowly burns the whole day and provides nourishment. It is even recommended to people who have ulcers because it stays in the stomach for a while and prevents the acid build up.
People on a diet usually suffer from constipation, heart burns and acidity. All these symptoms are handled by banana.
If you are worried about gaining weight because of banana, then have one at breakfast or if you workout at the gym, then eat one before you head to the gym. It will give you sufficient energy to weight train as well. Banana of all variety is good. The small yellow ones can be a little sour depending from which country or state they are grown. Overall every kind banana is essentially good. Balancing the diet with a little of everything is the ideal way to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Hope we have been able to answer your question. If you need any further clarification, do write in.
Iam doing body building so which kind of banana will be perfect for me green,small yellow or big yellow banana.
All bananas are good. If you suffer from acidity then avoid the yellow ones.