Banana is one of the
most widely eaten fruits in the world, which is readily recognised because of
its distinctive shape and bright colours. Interestingly, this amazing fruit, in
fact has a lot to offer, both nutritionally, as well as in relieving the
symptoms of a myriad of physical complaints, reports Sade Oguntola. So often,
many people overlook banana when it comes to providing nutritional and
medicinal value. Bananas in fact have a lot to offer us, both nutritionally, as
well as in relieving the symptoms of a myriad of physical complaints. Banana is
one of the most widely eaten fruits in the world, which is readily recognised
because of its distinctive shape and bright colours. It abounds in hundreds of
edible varieties that fall under two distinct species: the sweet banana (Musa
sapienta, Musa nana) and plantain (Musa paradisiacal). Bananas like apples,
have proven health benefits. Ironically, bananas have more nutrients and
vitamins than apples. Its consumption can help people live healthier and more
active lives through taking advantage of the energy and health benefits it can
provide. Amazing health benefits of bananas:
1. Keep blood pressure under check Bananas are very rich in
potassium yet almost completely devoid of sodium, and as such very well
suitable to preventing high levels of blood pressure from overcoming the body.
Blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors and indicator for heart
disease. An average banana contains up to 500 milligrammes of potassium and
around 1 milligramme of sodium. Since potassium has a lowering effect on blood
pressure while sodium has a strengthening effect, this is a wonderful ratio to
consume on a daily basis.
2. Cut down risk of stroke A recent study suggests that
eating three bananas a day cuts risk for stroke by 21 per cent. What is in a
banana? The miracle ingredient is potassium, which reduces blood pressure, thus
combating a leading cause of stroke.
3. Promote bone health. Potassium may counteract the
increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets, thus preventing
bones from thinning out at a fast rate. This, according to University of
Maryland Medical Centre and University of Kansas Medical Centre, reduces the
risk of osteoporosis.
4. Protect eyesight
Fruits like banana are important for keeping good sight. A 2004 study,
published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, indicated that eating three or more
servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36
per cent, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit
daily.
5. Supports healthy kidney Research in the International Journal
of Cancer suggests that regular, moderated consumption of whole fruits and
vegetables, especially bananas, can be kidney-protective. The result of a large
population based prospective study of 61,000 women aged 40 to 76, showed that
women eating more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables per month cut their
risk of kidney cancer 40 per cent. Also, according to the study in the Internal
Journal of Cancer, women halved their risk of developing kidney problem by
eating bananas compared to those who did not eat this fruit.
6. Ease depression People suffering from depression, feel
much better after eating a banana. Bananas contain Tryptophan, a type of
protein that the body converts into serotonin which helps the body to relax,
improve mood and generally make happier. Studies show that bananas are also
helpful in reducing stress levels.
7. Treat anaemia Experiencing anaemia, try banana rather than
blood forming. High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of
haemoglobin in the blood and so help in cases of anaemia.
8. Reduces constipation Are you suffering from constipation?
The best solution to constipation is eating a banana a day. Bananas are rich in
fibre that can help to restore normal bowel action, and overcome constipation
without resorting to laxatives. A single serving (one medium-sized banana)
contains 16 per cent of the daily recommended dietary fibre intake for a normal
adult.
9. Soothe heart burn If suffering from heart burn, try eating
a banana for its soothing relief. Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the
body.
10. Prevents morning sickness Besides, their calming
properties help combat morning sickness, snacking on bananas between meals can
help in keeping blood sugar levels up.
11. Ease peptic ulcers Banana is the only raw fruit that can
be eaten without distress in people with severe intestinal disorders because of
its soft texture and smoothness. Eating a raw banana also neutralises acidity
and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Aside this, other
substances in bananas known as protease inhibitors get rid of bacteria in the
stomach that produces stomach ulcers. Medical experts say that a simple
concoction of banana and milk can help to suppress acid secretion considerably,
thus protecting against stomach and ulcer damage.
12. Mood enhancers Bananas contain tryptophan, one of the 20
amino acids which helps the body to produce serotonin - which has a calming
effect on the brain (creates a stable mood) and acts as a mild sedative. The
only way the body gets its dose of tryptophan is through diet. It does not
produce it. 13. Morning sickness cure In pregnancy, just shoving a banana in
the mouth calms the queasy feeling, restores the blood glucose level and body
temperature.
14. Quit smoking Bananas can help minimize the effects of
nicotine withdrawal bananas are rich potassium, magnesium and other vital
vitamins present which give the brain a soothing whenever it screams for
nicotine.
15. Effective in diarrhoea In uncomfortable conditions like
diarrhoea, electrolytes are drained out of the body, causing weakness. These
electrolytes can be restocked with the help of potassium levels present in
bananas.
16. Menstrual pains cure Majority of the womenfolk take pills
to reduce menstrual pains. Rather than taking these pain killers eat a banana.
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 that helps in regulating blood glucose levels.
This helps in balancing your overall mood and hence reduces menstrual pains.
17. Increase brain power A survey involving 200 students at a
school in Middlesex, who were given bananas along with their normal diet for
their breakfast, break and lunch proved that bananas increase brain power. The
research indicated that potassium in bananas helped to increase their mental
alertness and boost brain power.
18. Reduce itching of mosquito bites Worried by an itching or
swelling due to mosquito bites? Rather using these creams to reduce itching and
swelling, use banana peels. Rub the itching or swelling area with the inside of
banana peels to get a relief from mosquito bite itching or swelling.
19. Lower cholesterol Pectin, a soluble fibre in banana
facilitates reduction of cholesterol levels. Expert based on findings from
various studies say its water-soluble fibres such as pectin, psyllium, guar gum
and beta-glucan effectively lower LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol) without causing any kind of disturbance to HDL (high-density
lipoprotein) cholesterol.
20. Reduce risk of cancer Rich in antioxidants and dietary
fibre, consumption of bananas reduce risk of various types of cancer especially
bowel cancer.
21. Cure pile The complexity involved in passing stools
normally, known as piles, may lead to bleeding often times. Since bananas help
normal bowel function, they can help to cure piles.
22. Dispel effect of hangover The nutrients in bananas
combined with their ability to refuel the body’s vitamins make them a perfect
option to dispel the effect of a hangover. A combination of bananas blended
with honey and yoghurt makes an excellent cure for hangover.
23. Support weight loss Containing loads of fibre and low
amounts of fat, bananas are easily digestible. Therefore, a diet consisting
primarily of bananas does not make an obese person gain a few extra kilos.
24. Healthy Skin Bananas are loaded with essential nutrients
vital for a healthy skin. They contain high doses of vitamin C which helps
production of collagen, a type of protein found in the skin. Also, vitamin C a
potent antioxidant protects the body from attack of free radicals that cause
premature ageing. Conversely, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6 known as
pyridoxine essential for promoting a healthy skin.
