Banana Health Benefits

Banana Health Benefits

Here is a collection of many of the known health benefits of bananas.

Bananas contain around 25% of the daily recommended value of vitamin B6. This vitamin is great for boosting the immune system by creating antibodies and aiding in the development of hemoglobin, an essential part of all red blood cells. Just as well, bananas are packed with antioxidants, including 15% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C, that serves to fight disease and infection.

Bananas get their sweet taste from the three natural sugars they produce: sucrose, fructose, and glucose. Combined with fiber and potassium, nutrients that aid in the contraction of muscles, bananas are the number one fruit for athletes, with just one banana providing enough energy for a solid 90 minute exercise. Bananas contain, on average, 350-400 mg of potassium.

An interesting fact about bananas that is widely unknown is their ability to help overcome a hangover. Rich in water, electrolytes, magnesium, and potassium, bananas help rehydrate the body and calm upset stomachs. Mixed with milk and honey, bananas also help overcome energy depletion that is a common side effect of drinking.

Potassium is a nutrient that naturally reduces the excretion of calcium from the body through urine. In the kidneys, this potassium reduces the chances of the development of kidney stones as well as reduces the risk of kidney cancer. Again, with 400 milligrams of potassium in the average banana, these are a great fruit to keep a healthy body.

Fiber and dietary fiber found naturally in bananas has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Bananas work naturally to help keep your blood flowing and body in a healthy state.

Research has found that people with lower levels of potassium in their body are at higher risk of having a stroke. Bananas are one of the most potassium-rich foods in the world, making them ideal for elderly people trying to keep their body in good condition and avoid strokes.

The potassium in bananas is particularly helpful in maintaining a health blood pressure and blood flow throughout the body. It regulates red blood cells and maintains electrolyte balance within cells. Research has shown that people who consumed 2 bananas per day for a week were able to reduce their blood pressure by up to 10 percent.

Much in the same way bananas can help kidney function, they also promote strong bones by reducing the amount of calcium lost through urination. Calcium is an essential building block of strong bones.

Bananas have been found to be a perfect food to help people quit smoking. Vitamin B6 and B12, along with potassium and magnesium, help the body recover from nicotine withdrawal.

The nutrients within bananas help promote healthy nerve development and function. The B vitamins have been shown to keep nerves within the body healthier for longer periods of time.

The following are some useful health benefits of bananas:

Bananas promote healthy bowel movements.

The fiber found in bananas has been shown to smooth the digestive process and reduce constipation. Bananas are a natural way to reduce constipation and promote healthy bowel movements.

Bananas can reduce menstrual pain.

The natural sugars in Bananas combined with vitamin B6 helps to maintain proper cell health and reduce menstrual pains.

Bananas are good during pregnancy.

Pregnant women who eat bananas are often more calm and relaxed than those who don't. Bananas help retain water and vital nutrients in the body. In addition, bananas can help control a pregnant woman's temperature.

Banana peels sooth mosquito bites.

The peels of bananas naturally help to reduce swelling and itching in bug and mosquito bites on the skin. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite. This method of treatment has often been reported to work better than most creams or drugs.

Bananas are a great source of iron.

For people that are lacking in iron intake, bananas are a great way to give the body the iron that it needs. Iron is essential to maintain red blood cell count in the body.

Bananas make great fertilizer.

The peels of bananas are very high in nutrients that act as a wonderful, natural, fertilizer. Instead of throwing peels out, try burying a few of them under plants that bloom (flowers, bushes, trees) and let nature do the rest!

Bananas help sooth ulcers.

Bananas naturally reduce the acidity of certain foods and create a protective lining along the stomach wall that can help sooth ulcer pain. The fruit is also a natural antacid that helps to fight heartburn.

Bananas can reduce depression.

Tryptophan, an aminoacid produced naturally in bananas, helps to alleviate depression and stabilize mood swings.

Why Bananas Are Good For You

Based on the above information, it is clear to see that bananas are a great source of nutrition that helps promote a healthy body and lifestyle. Through increased energy, healthier blood, a better immune system, reduced blood pressure, and more, bananas are sure to improve your daily life. The best part? They're cheap! Bananas currently cost much less than a dollar per pound making it an affordable improvement to your body.

For more information about banana health benefits visit Banana Health Facts.