Bananas are a favorite fruit of many, and it’s not hard to see why: bananas are inexpensive, delicious, and they come in their own carrying case! But those aren’t the only reasons to add bananas into your diet. Read on to learn more about the many health benefits bananas offer!
Fight Depression
Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which is known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you feel better. In addition, the vitamin B6 that bananas contain regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Ward Off Anemia
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood, and so help in cases of anemia.
Regulate Blood Pressure
Bananas are extremely high in potassium, yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure problems.
Increase Brain Power
The potassium in bananas can also assist your child’s learning by making them more alert in school.
Fight Constipation
High in fiber, bananas can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome constipation without resorting to laxatives.
Reduce Morning Sickness
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Soothe Mosquito Bites
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Steady Your Nerves
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Control Body Temperature
Many cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.
Quit Smoking
The B6 and B12 in bananas, along with their potassium and magnesium, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Reduce Stress
Potassium helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain, and regulates your body’s water balance. All of these things counter the effect of stress on the body.
Lower Your Risk of Stroke
According to The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%!
Clearly, bananas can be a great part of your diet! However, because they are high in natural sugars, we do recommend seeking your clinician’s guidelines when it comes to how to include bananas into your daily diet.