ALL ABOUT BANANAS

Interesting facts about bananas

Bananas are harvested green because they keep ripening even after they are picked.

Nutritional facts:

Potassium:

Potassium helps in the building of muscles and protein synthesis, by stimulating nerve impulses for muscle concentration.

Also potassium-rich food is said to reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke and high blood pressure.

Vitamin B6:

Vitamin B6 helps in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system apart from red blood formation, protein metabolism and functioning of the central nervous system.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C helps the body to defend and heal against infections. This vitamin also proves valuable in the synthesis of the connective tissue, absorption of iron and the formation of blood.

Banana contains 3 natural sugars, sucrose, fructose and glucose along with dietary fiber; thus giving an instant and substantial boost of energy.

No other fruit contain more digestible carbohydrates than bananas. This is very advantageous because our body burns off calories from carbohydrate more easily and quickly than calories from fat or protein.

And bananas do not contain any sodium, fat or cholesterol.

Health benefits of bananas:

Packed with minerals and fibre: Bananas are rich in a variety of nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and magnesium. Bananas are also full of fibre, with one banana providing 11% of the daily recommended requirement of fibre.

It is an especially rich source of potassium, which has many benefits. It helps prevent high blood pressure and lowers the risk of stroke. It also pays a vital role in the health of kidneys, brain and muscle tissue.

Excellent source of energy: Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – along with plenty of fibre. Research shows that two bananas can provide enough energy to keep you going through a strenuous 90-minute workout.

Depression: Bananas contain tryptophan, a protein that the body converts into serotonin. This is known to help you relax, feel happier and improve your mood. In fact, studies show that people suffering from depression actually felt better after eating a banana.

Prevent Anaemia: Bananas are a good source of iron and can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood. So helps in cases of anaemia.

Controls weight: Those who like to reach out for something sweet as comfort food during a stressful situation would be better served grabbing a banana as compared to biscuits or chocolates. Bananas can help control panic-induced food cravings by controlling blood sugar levels.

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-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. Bananas have the ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which 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 re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: Eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Stomach problems: Due to its soft texture, bananas can be eaten without distress by those suffering from stomach problems. Bananas reduce acidity and stomach irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. They’re also an excellent food to eat if you’re suffering from stomach ulcers.

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, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Bone health: Certain compounds in bananas improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients like calcium. This helps to strengthen bone health.

Premenstrualsyndrome(PMS): Eat a banana and forget the pills. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.

Brain Power: The potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give-up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. 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 maybe it's time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 

'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!' 

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!