No, we don't, actually! And after reading this, you'll never look at a banana the same way ever again. So why eat a banana?ENERGY: Because bananas contain three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber - they give you an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
THE ULTIMATE PRE-WORKOUT SNACK: Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. They also protect against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps! No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes - but that's not 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.
COMPARED TO AN APPLE? Bananas have 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 as apples do! It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around, usually costing about 59 cents per pound.
ANEMIA: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BENEFITS OF B-6: Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
BLOOD PRESSURE: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect 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 school ( England ) 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-packe d fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
CALCIUM: Bananas counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones!
CONSTIPATION: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.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.
DIGESTION: Because they are rich in pectin, bananas aid in digestion and gently remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. They also act as a prebiotics, meaning that they stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria (and digestive enzymes!) in the body.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.
NERVES: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
PROBLEM PREVENTION: Bananas prevent _______. The list includes kidney cancer, macular degeneration of the eyes, calcium loss, chronic diseases (because of their antioxidants), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), withdrawals from smoking (because of their high levels of B-vitamins, potassium, and magnesium)
SHINING?: Eating a banana and notice you have a spot on your shoes or bag? Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine!
STRESS-EATING: Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for
example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
WARTS: Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place.
WANT TO ADD A BANANA TO YOUR DIET RIGHT NOW? HERE'S A QUICK & EASY RECIPE FOR A CREAMY BANANA AND AVOCADO SMOOTHIE!
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 avocado (stone and skin removed)
- 1 1/2 cups of almond milk (or any other milk)
- 1/2-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla paste
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of bee pollen
- 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (optional)
- 1 handful of ice
Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for half a minute until you reach a smooth consistency. Serves two. Enjoy!
