Wonderfully sweet with firm and creamy flesh, bananas come pre-packaged in their own yellow coats and are available throughout the year.
What are the benefits of consuming Bananas
in our diet?
Bananas contain natural sugar which
combined with fiber provide an instant, sustained and substantial boost of
energy. Research has shown that eating two bananas provides enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. It is therefore understandable that the banana is the number
one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
As a working nutritionist in Tokyo I regularly get asked by parents to recommend a good, natural energy source for children. My answer is bananas. Bananas, besides being a natural energy source can also help strengthen our bodies and in dealing with certain conditions including Stress, PMS, Depression, Constipation, Cardiovascular health and many others.
As a working nutritionist in Tokyo I regularly get asked by parents to recommend a good, natural energy source for children. My answer is bananas. Bananas, besides being a natural energy source can also help strengthen our bodies and in dealing with certain conditions including Stress, PMS, Depression, Constipation, Cardiovascular health and many others.
Stress
Due to their high potassium content bananas
are a natural stress reducer. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises,
thereby reducing potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a
high-potassium banana snack.
Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS)
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, which
means that your body doesn't store it in excess. That's why it's so important
to get plenty of vitamin B6 each day. Bananas which are high in Vitamin B6 can
help PMS by regulating blood glucose levels (which effect mood) and can also
help to calm the nervous system.
Depression
According to research people suffering from
depression, many feel 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.
Constipation
As they are high in fiber, bananas can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome constipation without resorting to laxatives.
Heart Health
Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. A number of studies have demonstrated that eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas may help lower blood pressure.
Heart Health
Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. A number of studies have demonstrated that eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas may help lower blood pressure.
