Banana is one of the most widely eaten fruits in the world, which
is readily recognized because of its distinctive shape and bright colours.
So often, many people overlook banana when it comes to providing
nutritional and medicinal value. Bananas in fact have a lot to offer us,
both nutritionally, as well as in relieving the symptoms of a myriad of
physical complaints. It abounds in hundreds of edible varieties that fall
under two distinct species: the sweet banana (Musa sapienta, Musa nana) and
plantain (Musa paradisiacal).
Bananas like apples have proven health benefits but bananas have more
nutrients and vitamins than apples. Its consumption can help people live
healthier and more active lives through taking advantage of the energy and
health benefits it can provide.
Like most fruits, the banana is a healthful food that can be eaten without
any problem but it contains some sugar; diabetics should consult with a
physician or dietician to determine if bananas should be included in a diet
that aims to reduce the consumption of carbohydrates. However, plantain has
very little sugar and therefore good for diabetics
Anyone with an allergy to bananas should also avoid the fruits to minimize
the risk of an allergic reaction.
Details of what bananas can do for you are discussed below:
1. Protect eyesight
Fruits like banana are important for keeping good sight. A 2004 study,
published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, indicated that eating three or
more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by
36 per cent, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of
fruit daily.
2. Protect the kidneys
Research in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that regular,
moderated consumption of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas,
can be kidney-protective. The result of a large population based
prospective study of 61,000 women aged 40 to 76, showed that women eating
more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables per month cut their risk of
kidney cancer by 40 per cent.
Also, according to the study in the Internal Journal of Cancer, women
halved their risk of developing kidney problem by eating bananas compared
to those who did not eat this fruit.
3. Reduce Stress
People suffering from depression, feel much better after eating a banana.
Bananas contain Tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into
serotonin which helps the body to relax, improve mood and generally make
happier.
Studies show that bananas are also helpful in reducing stress levels as
well as acting as a mild sedative. The only way the body gets its dose of tryptophan is through diet.
The body does not produce it.
4. Are helpful in diarrhoea.
In uncomfortable conditions like diarrhoea, electrolytes are drained out of
the body, causing weakness. These electrolytes can be restocked with the
help of potassium levels present in bananas.
5. Help in the treatment of piles.
The pressure involved in passing stools when constipated can cause piles
which may lead to bleeding. Since bananas help normal bowel function they can help to
reduce the problem.
6. Reduce hangover.
The nutrients in bananas make them a perfect option to dispel the effect of a hangover. A combination of bananas blended with honey and yoghurt makes an excellent cure for hangover.
7. Help to keep your Skin healthy.
Bananas are loaded with essential nutrients vital for a healthy skin. They
contain high doses of vitamin C which helps production of collagen, a type
of protein found in the skin.
Also, vitamin C, a potent antioxidant protects the body from attack of free
radicals that cause premature ageing.
In addition, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6 known as pyridoxine
which is essential for a healthy skin.
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