Bananas
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose
and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained
and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just
two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.
No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's
leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It
can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses
and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst
people suffering from depression, 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, improve your mood and generally make you feel
happier.
PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana.
The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which
can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of
hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in
potassium yet low in salt, making
it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, 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: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were
helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast,
break, and lunch in a bid to boost their 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 the diet can
help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem
without resorting to laxatives.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body,
so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing
relief.
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.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers
because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking: 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.
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.
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%!
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
carbohydrates, 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 its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,
"A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Copyright © 2002-2007 jootybootyyoga.com
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Please contact Booty
with any questions or comments. Updated February 13, 2007
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