The Bountiful Banana and its Vital Benefits

If you want a quick fix for flagging energy levels, there's no snack better than a banana. Containing three natural sugars namely sucrose, fructose, and glucose, combined with soluble fiber, a banana gives instant energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy is not the only reason to eat them. Bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must addition to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken, people suffering from depression felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which is known to relax you, improve your mood, and feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills, eat a banana. Vitamin B6 in a banana regulates blood glucose levels.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in blood, and hence helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit has potassium which makes it perfect to beat high blood pressure. The US Food and Drug Administration has allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a school were helped through their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium packed fruit can assist learning by making students more alert.

Constipation: High in soluble fiber, bananas help restore normal bowel movements, helping overcome the problem of constipation without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: Few of us know that one of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. Banana calms the stomach, and honey builds up depleted blood sugar levels. This way the milkshake soothes and rehydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body. So if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: While my research on the banana made me stuck around a world of good healing, I realized that snacking on bananas between meals actually helped in keeping the blood sugar levels up.

Mosquito Bites: And as if all this wasn't enough, I learned from old granny's snippets that instead of reaching for the insect bite cream, I should try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it effective in reducing the swelling and irritation on the affected area.