Why you should make bananas part of your daily diet

Added 02.06.2009

Bananas are a popular fruit; from children to adults, who doesn't enjoy the sweet, creamy taste? But bananas are much more than a tasty snack; studies show they contain plenty of nutrients and are bursting with health benefits.

Bananas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorous
• Calcium
• Selenium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Copper
• Folate
• Vitamin A
• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

If you are not convinced just take a look at some of the benefits you will get by eating bananas regularly:

• Bananas are good for your heart: Bananas are very rich sources of potassium but are low on sodium (salt), which promotes healthy heart function and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke. A study conducted at Kasturba Medical College in India found that bananas could help regulate blood pressure by acting like high blood pressure pharmaceutical drugs. High blood pressure prescription drugs called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors, work by inhibiting ACE, which is to blame for producing a substance (angiotensin-2) that blocks blood vessels and increases blood pressure. The study found that bananas inhibit angiotensin-2 without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.
• Bananas help to maintain strong bones: According to a study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, bananas increase your body's ability to absorb essential nutrients like calcium that are vital for healthy, strong bones.
• Bananas promote bowel health: Bananas contain a sugar called fructooligosaccharide, which increases good bacteria in our intestines. As you may know, good bacteria in our colon translates into better immunity against infection and disease. Bananas also act as a natural antacid, protecting against and easing heartburn and ulcers. Additionally, this amazing fruit has the ability to ease both constipation and diarrhea. The high fibre content in bananas helps to normalise bowel movements and elimination. In cases of diarrhoea, bananas help to restore electrolyte levels, particularly potassium.
• Bananas protect against kidney disease and cancer: A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that fruits and vegetables, in particular bananas, can protect against kidney disease and reduce risk of kidney cancer.
• Bananas are good sources of energy: Athletes know too well that bananas provide energy and often munch on them during training and competition. Two bananas can keep you exercising for about 90 minutes and replenishes electrolytes lost through perspiration. Many amateur and professional athletes also find that eating bananas on a daily basis eases exercise-induced muscle cramps, possibly due to its high content in potassium and magnesium.
• Bananas are natural anti-depressants: Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, a substance known to improve mood and promote happiness and relaxation.
• Bananas ease PMS: High in vitamin B6, bananas help to regulate glucose levels and mood swings associated with PMS.
• Bananas improve brain function: The vitamins and minerals in bananas, particularly potassium, improve brain function and alertness.
• Bananas help hangovers: Had a rough weekend? Not to worry because bananas can ease hangovers and settle upset stomachs.
• Bananas help nicotine withdrawal: Considering giving up smoking? If so, don't forget to eat bananas; the B vitamins contained in bananas in addition to various minerals have been shown to help the body get over nicotine withdrawal effects.
• Bananas are good during pregnancy: Bananas contain folate, which as you know is essential throughout life but even more so during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
• Bananas ease mosquito bites: Many people swear by the calming effects (reducing inflammation and irritation) of bananas on mosquito bites. Try rubbing the inside of a banana skin directly onto a mosquito bite.

References:

Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:

For many years we have been told that bananas are nothing but "empty" calories. This myth is no longer true. Swedish researchers from the University of Lund and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have proven that bananas have many excellent properties, among other things, protecting us from developing gastric ulcers and reducing risk of certain types of cancer. As you can see from this article many studies have proven bananas have other important benefits. Enjoy your bananas!