This article was originally published in the Hamilton County Herald on September 21, 2012.
I was sitting at my computer this morning wondering what my topic should be, but was drawing a blank. Then my good friend Jay sent me an email that he had received, and thought it would be good to use sometime. Little did he know that sometime would be right now!
Due to the length, I was unable to print the entire article, but I picked what I thought were the best points. Also, there were no credits, so I don’t know whom to thank – but it is great stuff!
Bananas
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber – a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt 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.
Anemia: Because of the high levels of iron, bananas help control anemia.
Blood pressure: Extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, bananas are perfect at controlling blood pressure, and the USFDA has permitted the banana industry to make these claims official.
Brain power: 200 students at a Middlesex school were helped with their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch, which boosted their brainpower. Research shows that the potassium-packed fruit can makes pupils more alert.
Constipation: High-fiber bananas helps restore normal bowel action, preventing the use of laxatives.
Hangovers: A good hangover remedy: a banana milkshake sweetened with honey.
Morning sickness: Avoid morning sickness by snacking on bananas between meals, keeping blood sugar levels up.
Mosquito bites: Many people find rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin reduces swelling and irritation.
Heartburn/ulcers: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body and so are used as dietary foods against intestinal disorders. And because of their smooth texture, they are the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking: The B6, B12, potassium and magnesium help the body recover from nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: When we’re stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing potassium levels. This can be rebalanced with a high-potassium banana.
Strokes: According to The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas can cut the risk of death by strokes by 40 percent!