The Power of a Banana

Never underestimate the power of a banana! Here are a list of banana facts that may surprise you!

Bananas contain 3 different sugars~ sucrose, glucose, and fructose combined with fiber. Research has proven that only 2 bananas can give you a substantial amount of energy to give you a 90 minute work out. That's not all! Bananas help with the following:

Depression~ After a survey taken by MIND, many felt 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, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS~ Forget those over the counter pills, bananas contain enough B6 to regulate the blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood!

Anemia~ Bananas are high in iron and can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood which helps in some cases with Anemia.

Blood Pressure~The banana is high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. 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~Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation~High in fiber, including bananas in your 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.

Heartburn~Bananas have a natural antacid effect in 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.

Mosquito 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 B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

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.

Warts~Kill off a wart by taking a piece of banana skin and placing it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape.

Strokes~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%!

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 rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

One last thing, never put bananas in the refrigerator!