Thursday 24 December 2009

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat a Banana

It has been known for many a time that bananas are good for your health, and are a fantastic snack. Here are some information and tips that will hopefully remind you how important eating fruit but in this case a banana is.

1. Gives you an Energy Boost
The combination of slow energy releasing carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose and sucrose, not forgetting fibre, makes the banana ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy. Have one 30 minutes before a workout or even at breakfast to give you energy at the start of the day.


2. Put You in a Better Mood.
Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid (Protein) that the body uses to convert to serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for boosting your mood and making you feel happier. People who suffer from depression have low serotonin levels, so a simple snack like this can help.

3. Reducing High Blood Pressure
Bananas are brilliant for people with high blood pressure since they contain a lot of potassium and hardly any salt, therefore having a perfect ratio to combat high blood pressure. Since this has been heavily proven, the US food and drug administration has allowed the banana industry to make official claims about the fruits abilities to lower high blood pressure.


4. Giving You Stress Relief
Potassium in the banana is used to normalise the heartbeat and naturally regulate the body’s water balance. When you are stressed mentally or physically, the body uses the stores of potassium and depletes it from the body. This is bad for you since it’s the third most abundant mineral in the body. Bananas are an easy way to replenish these supplies rather than medication.


5. Helps you quit Smoking
If you are looking for a fruit that helps you quit smoking, consider the banana. They contain the vitamins B6 and B12 which also contains magnesium: These substances help the body recover from nicotine withdrawal, a good alternative to nicotine patches.

6. Keeping Healthy Bones
Bananas are a remarkably rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound that nourishes friendly bacteria in the colon. Thanks to this helpful bacteria is produces enzymes that increase our digestive systems ability to protect us from unhealthy infections and bacteria. When the compound is absorbed it increases the number of these enzymes and their functionality, which helps the body absorb calcium,


7. Protecting Your Eyesight
According to the research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology intake of three pieces of fruit daily can reduce the risk of ARMD (Age related macular degeneration) the primary cause of vision loss in older adults by upto 36%. That’s compared to people who eat 1.5 portions daily.


8. Restoring Nutrients from Diarrhea
Thanks to bananas containing a lot of fibre, it helps the body restore normal bowel activity and function. During Diarrhea the body is deprived of important electrolytes and fluids (One of the majors being Potassium). Many deaths are caused a year due to Diarrhea an estimated 1.1 Million from the ages 5 and up.


9. Helps you Avoid Gaining Weight
Researches have found that the most obese people are the ones that work in high pressure jobs and use food as a comforter. To avoid this stress be sure to eat snacks like bananas high in carbohydrates and potassium, it will also stop your craving temporarily.

10. Morning After Cure
A fast way to do it would be to make a banana milkshake with traces of honey. Bananas simulate the cells on the internal stomach lining to produce a thicker mucus which protects the body from acids. With honey or a sugar of your choice it will keep blood sugar levels up and stop you from feeling sick. More on foods that stop high blood pressure highs and lows Here.

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