The Banana could be considered one of Nature's healthiest fruits, even more so than the apple.
There are two different, yet familiar, types of bananas that are popular in the US. The sweet banana, often known for it's yellow skin and sweet characteristics, and the plantain banana which is usually cooked and considered more like a vegetable because of it's starchier characteristics and are higher in beta carotene than their sweeter counterparts.
The more popular "sweet banana" has been touted as being a remedy for many ills.
The Potassium and Fiber content has been shown to help with the Cardio Vascular Protection - lowers blood pressure. A banana a day may also help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis.
In addition to these cardiovascular benefits, the potassium found in bananas may also help to promote bone health. Potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans. Potassium also helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
The soothing properties of the banana has long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers, and treat heartburn.
Constipated? Eat a banana!
Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation.
Better Bones!
Bananas help improve your body's ability to absorb the calcium that is depleted by those of us that work out to the extreme (and for those that don't lol). They are a great source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus compounds that protect us against unfriendly microorganisms.
Don't Worry! Be Happy!
A recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression and/or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder -which i do suffer from as well), 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 make you relax, and make you feel happier!
Forget those iron pills! Eat a banana! They are high in iron which can help those who are anemic.
Need Energy? or is it that time of the month ladies? The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels which can effect your mood, and that potassium? Eating a banana with breakfast, mid morning snack, and lunch has proven to allow students that are lacking brain power to boost it by becoming more alert.
That party was great wasn't it? Now get your day after the party started on the right foot by consuming one of those yellow angels in a shake: sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Pregnant and not feeling to hot? munching on bananas in between meals helps to keep sugar levels up to avoid morning sickness.
Many other cultures see bananas 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.
Having problems Snuffing that Butt? The B-6, B-12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
A few quick serving ideas:
A peanut butter and banana sandwich drizzled with honey is an all-time favorite comfort food for children and adults alike.
Add chopped bananas, walnuts and maple syrup to oatmeal or porridge.
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The data compiled has been comprised from the following resources:
Archives of Internal Medicine
New England Journal of Medicine
