The Bountiful Banana

A Banana a day!

Trust me that after reading this, you'll Never look at the Banana in the same way again!!

If you want a quick fix for flagging energy levels there's no better snack than a banana. 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! No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy is not the only way to keep us fit. Bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add 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 known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. Vitamin B6 in a banana contains regulates blood glucose levels, that can affect your mood.

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

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. The US Food and Drug Administration, said a leading newspaper, has just 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 pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: Few of us know that one of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milk shake, sweetened with honey. Since the banana calms the stomach and honey builds up depleted blood sugar levels, the last ingredient of milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heart burn: Most of us in love should definitely try this one. But seriously, bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. So if you suffer from heart burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief or remain heart broken like me!!

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 your blood sugar levels up and a major fighter of morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: And as if 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 amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Some food for thought! I'll say!