How to Put the Banana to Work for Your Better Health

Earlier, I wrote about the benefits of Peroxide. In this article, I concentrate on the laurels of the remarkable banana.

I heard about the many wonders of the banana through an email, just as I heard about Peroxide. Since then I have done my own research on this favorite tropical fruit and I find that it is, indeed, pretty astounding.

Bananas are packed with three sugars: glucose, fructose and sucrose. These natural sugars, plus the high concentration of fibers contained in each banana, provide an immediate, significant burst of energy. They are high in iron, potassium and Vitamin B, especially B6 and B12. Also, bananas contain tryptophan that produces serotonin to aid in mood swings. The simple banana is a marvel of nature as it combats certain medical conditions and fights off illnesses.

These tips, regarding the countless benefits and uses of bananas, are too good not to share. Try a bunch of bananas and put this wholesome fruit to the test.

1 - Do you suffer from constipation? Bananas are high in fiber; add bananas to your diet instead of using laxatives. They’ll soon aid in normalizing your system.

2 - Are you frequently down in the dumps or do you feel depressed? Eat a banana. The body needs serotonin to help it relax and rest. Bananas contain the tryptophan protein, that converts to serotonin; this improves mood swings and can make you feel better.

3 – Do you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Same as No. 2 – The banana fruit’s tryptophan will help produce serotonin and, that in turn, helps those that suffer from SAD.

4 - Are you anemic? Because bananas are iron rich, they help revve up production of the blood’s hemoglobin.

5 - Are you athletic and want an energy boost? Researchers have substantiated that a mere two bananas give a sustainable energy boost for 90 minutes or more during exercise. Well-known athletes consider this fruit #1 for that reason.

6 – Do you suffer from PMS? Loaded with Vitamin B6, the banana helps control blood glucose levels. Stabilizing glucose can also calm down mood swings.

7 - Do you suffer from nerves and anxiety? Let the Vitamin Bs in bananas aid in calming your nervous system.

8 – Are you pregnant and suffer from morning sickness? Snack on a banana first thing in the morning or between meals to keep blood sugar levels even.

9 – Is your blood pressure on the high side? The United States Food & Drug Administration permits the fruit industry to claim, officially, that bananas aid in the reduction of high blood pressure and stroke.

10 – Are you fearful of having a stroke or at risk of having a stroke? The New England Journal of Medicine states that “Eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%.”

11 – Are you tense and stressed? Balance vital potassium levels in your body by snacking on a banana.

12 – Do you have frequent heartburn? At the first sign of heartburn, reach for a banana. They are said to bring soothing relief.

13 – Are you suffering from an ulcer? The banana is a dietary staple for intestinal disorders since it is soft in texture and has no seeds. It tends to coat the stomach lining and is therefore able to neutralize excessive acid.

14 – Are you taking a test in the afternoon? Try a banana at breakfast, another as a snack and yet another at lunch. Research is coming back that the potassium in bananas is making students more alert.

15 – Are you craving a snack or feel like gorging? Chances are you’d like to reach for chocolate and chips and munch. Reach for a banana instead. Keep your blood sugar levels under control and the sugar/junk food cravings will abate.

16 – Do you have a hangover? Grab milk, a banana, sweeten with honey and blend. This banana milkshake calms the stomach and cures the hangover.

17 – Did the mosquito get you? Rub the mosquito bite with the inside of a banana peel. It reduces swelling and irritation.

Warning from The Old Gray Mare: There is one negative to bananas! Do not eat a banana before or during a picnic or when you are going on a walk. It has been proven that mosquitos are attracted to the banana scent and you will actually lure mosquitos if you have eaten a banana.

18 – Do you have nicotine withdrawal because you are trying to quit smoking? Let the B6, B12, potassium and magnesium in bananas help your body withstand nicotine cravings.

19 - Finally, here is one final hint: Do you have aphids in the garden, especially on your roses? Drape banana skins across the branches – within the day, all of them will be gone.

Then you can put the remarkable banana to one final good use – don’t throw the peel away; compost it. This is one fruit that gives, and keeps on giving, to the very end!

Anyone for a slice of banana bread?

This article, recipes, and horse interest & care articles by The Old Gray Mare can be found on www.DressYourHorse.com.