Since childhood, the old folks have been telling us – like a broken record, in some cases – that bananas are good for us. And a lot of us probably have not questioned the wisdom of such words. Well, for one, the old folks were right.
Image courtesy of YaiSirichai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Here are eight of the reasons why:
1. Bananas are good sources of energy. Bananas are rich in calories but low in fats. They are rich in simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that replenish energy instantly.
A lot of athletes resort to eating bananas for an instant energy boost. Treatment plans for undernourished children almost always include a daily serving of bananas.
2. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, a hormone that is known to improve the mood. Depression is associated with lack of serotonin.
So if you’re feeling down and out, consuming a banana can help promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
3. Bananas are rich in potassium. Potassium is an important nutrient that helps counteract the bad effects of sodium, helping keep the heart rate and blood pressure at normal levels.
Lack of potassium can result in fatigue and muscle cramps. Severe potassium deficiency, otherwise known as hypokalemia, can cause serious health problems like erratic heart rate, impairment of the nervous system, even death.
4. Bananas are natural sources of iron, which helps in the body’s hemoglobin function and therefore ideal for people with anemia.
5. Bananas contain antioxidants like zeaxanthin, lutein, beta and alpha carotene that act as protective shields against oxygen-derived free radicals.
6. Bananas are rich in dietary fiber, which helps alleviate constipation and can be used as alternative to chemical laxatives.
7. Bananas are known to act as natural antacids, aiding in heartburn relief.
8. The inside of a banana peel is known to help remove warts. Rubbing the same to a mosquito bite can also help reduce itchiness and swelling.
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perfect for me! I heart bananas! 🙂
Madami talaga nutritional values ang saging. 🙂 Medyo mahal nga lang ngaun hihihi.. Got a similar post about benefits of bananas… http://iamhash.blogspot.com/2011/04/banana-for-your-brain.html
@ Tin … you and me, the banana monsters! 😀
@ Herbert … I’ve just read your banana blog … very informative!
Laging may saging samin hndi ko lng pinapansin but now that I saw this info about banana benefits, kakain n ko after meal, hehe.
@ Henry … mabuti ‘yan … 😀
Great post! 🙂 Very informative!
it seems that bananas like me and i like it too… super yummy for breakfast.
Too bad nga lang.. ang mahal2x ng saging dito sa malalaking syudad, dun sa probinsya namin mura lang masyado 😀 heheheh
i have read before that bananas have replace the famous line that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.. for bananas are far more greater in terms of benefits..
now.. think this – that is why monkeys are like that hahahha.. just joking have a nice day
did you know that the banana true is not a tue fruit at all but a giant herb and the banana is actually its berry.
one more thing to add, only a few of us knew it but the most nutritious bananas are the ones with what we call “kalawang” in their peels 🙂
I’m loving bananas even more, thanks for sharing this
@ Robert … thank you!
@ ZehnRe … good for you!
@ Herbert … meron ding mura sa mga talipapa hehe …
@ One Pack … good morning to you, too, and thank you for dropping by!
@ Joy … wow, thanks for that info!
@ The Chef … really? now, that’s one of those fun facts!
@ Blobber Boy … you bet!
Yes Indeed! banana is very healthy. A banana a day can the doctor away. 🙂
You’re on my blog roll daily list 🙂 http://psychables.blogspot.com
@ Psychables … thanks for dropping by … You are, too, in my blog list … kindly check out my Links page … happy blogging! 😀