Growing up in the Caribbean where bananas for a long time, were the mainstay of several island economies, there was no short supply of the plant or the fruit. Unfortunately with that abundance may have come a bit of disregard of the fruit for both its economic and other value.
For many of us it may just be a really tasty fruit, but there’s a lot more to this fruit that for a long time has been known in the Caribbean as Green Gold (referring to the un-ripened fruit for export). While the term was coined to describe the economic value of the fruit, the “gold” part of the phrase still applies when used to describe its health benefits.
Many people don’t know this but bananas, because of their combination of three naturally occurring sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose are a fast source of energy. In fact two bananas can fuel an entire 90-minute workout. A medium banana (102g) contains about 96.9kcal. Quite apart from that bananas help guard against a number of illnesses and conditions, from PMS and depression to ulcers.
Forget about that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away….Get you a couple of bananas and you’re all set! A banana has five times the vitamin A, and iron in an apple, four times the protein in an apple, triple the phosphorus, and twice the carbohydrates.
Bananas contain Tryptophan, an amino acid needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is an essential amino acid, which means your body cannot produce it -- you must get it from your diet and one of the best ways to do that is from eating bananas. The human body converts Tryptophan into Serotonin, which is generally associated with mood improvements. Researchers believe that an imbalance in serotonin levels may influence mood in a way that could actually lead to depression. The Vitamin B6 content in bananas also helps stabilise blood glucose levels which also affects moods. So not only do they taste good but make you feel good too.
They’re a great source of iron, and play a role in haemoglobin production which is valuable to persons with anaemia. Its low salt, high potassium content also help regulate blood pressure. Potassium is also good for boosting brain power, so not only are you smart for eating bananas, but you’re likely to get smarter as a result of eating bananas!
High fibre content also make bananas great for regulating bowel movements. They’ve even developed a reputation as the best cure for a hangover, when blended with honey. They are really good at calming to stomach, so in addition to being a good hangover drink they make good natural antacid “medication” and help suppress morning sickness. Because of their ability to coat the lining of the stomach and reduce acidity, they also help prevent the development of ulcers.
Even the banana peel, when rubbed on the skin, has been proven to relieve mosquito bites! I haven’t tried this one yet, but I’ve been told the peel can also be used to polish your shoes!!!
Kendal Burton is a Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Sports Nutrition Specialist and owner of Edge Personal Fitness. For more health and fitness tips “friend” us on Facebook, or join our free fitness community atwww.edgepersonalfitness.com. If you have any questions, or a topic you’d like us to address email us atmail@edgepersonalfitness.com
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