A banana is a natural remedy for many ills. Compared to an apple, it has twice the carbohydrates, four times the protein, five times the Vitamin A and iron, three times the phosphorus, and twice the amount of other vitamins and minerals. It also has an abundance of potassium. Bananas also contain three natural sugars, fructose, sucrose, and glucose, which gives us a burst of energy. Two bananas will provide enough energy for 90 minutes of strenuous exercise. But bananas can do more than just help us keep fit, they can overcome a variety of conditions and illnesses, making them an important addition to our daily menu.
Bananas are a rich source of fructooligosaccharides, compounds which nourish the friendly bacteria in the colon, making them plump and healthy, and enables our body to more effectively absorb vitamins and nutrients. This increased absorption brings more calcium to our bones, making them stronger. In the stomach, compounds in bananas nourish the cells of the stomach lining to produce a thicker mucous barrier and eliminate the bacteria that are the primary cause of stomach ulcers. When we are suffering from diarrhoea, bananas can quickly restore the electrolytes our bodies have lost, with potassium being the most important.
Potassium is a vital mineral that sends oxygen to the brain, regulates our heartbeat, and regulates the body’s water balance. The high potassium and low sodium levels in bananas make them the perfect snack food to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas regularly can reduce the risk of death by stroke as much as 40%! In fact, the Food and Drug Administration now allows the banana industry to make official claims for the banana’s ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Bananas provide fibre which can relieve constipation and help restore normal bowel function. The natural antacid effect can bring soothing relief to heartburn. The high iron content of bananas stimulate the body to produce hemoglobin, which will help fight anemia.
Bananas also contain tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, a natural mood regulator, in the body. They are also high in B vitamins, which help regulate blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. A banana snack may help you feel better when you are suffering from PMS, mild depression, and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
The natural sugars in bananas can help regulate our blood sugar levels, avoiding stress-induced food cravings and keeping morning sickness in pregnant women at bay. Control blood sugar levels by snacking on high-carbohydrate foods, like bananas, in between meals. Adding bananas to your diet will add instant energy to your day, elevate your mood, relieve stomach and intestinal ills, and add protection against many other disorders!