Research that has been published in the "Archives of Ophthalmology" has shown adults that consume at least 3 helpings of fruit each day have a lower risk, by about thirty-six percent, of acquiring macular degeneration which is the main cause for losing vision in older people compared to those who only consume 1-1/2 servings of fruit a day. Some of the nutritional benefits of bananas are an extraordinarily rich source of fructooligosaccharide, this is a compound that will nourish the friendly bacteria in our colon. These probiotic bacteria will produce the enzymes that increase the digestive's system ability to protect us from any unhealthy bacteria infections. Thanks to this compound, the friendly bacteria will increase in numbers and the ability to function which increases the body's ability for absorbing calcium.
The potassium level in bananas is quite high, about 4,673mg, but is extremely low in sodium, about 1mg; therefore they have the perfect ratio for keeping our blood pressure at normal levels. Because of these facts, the US Food and Drug Administration allow the banana industry to officially claim the fruit's ability in reducing the risk of stroke and high blood pressure. Bananas also have an antacid effect in the body, so if you occasionally suffer from heartburn, try eating one for some soothing relief. Having a banana as an in-between meal snack will help keep the blood-sugar levels up and will also help pregnant women avoid morning sickness. Another one of the health benefits of bananas is they can help those people who are trying to give up the smoking habit. They not only contain potassium and magnesium but also vitamins B6 and B12 which helps the body to recover from the withdrawal of nicotine.
This is probably the only
fruit that can be eaten raw without causing distress in the case of ulcers. It helps to reduce acidity and relieves irritation. Bananas can stimulate the cells of the internal lining of the stomach to produce thicker mucus which helps protect against acid. They also contain protease inhibitors which help eliminate the bacteria that are generally the cause of ulcers in the stomach. We can also improve our nerve function due to the high B vitamins. It has also been reported that if you rub the inside of the banana peel on a mosquito bite it can reduce the swelling and itching.
Bananas are good for relieving stress due to the high level of potassium. This also helps bring the heartbeat to a normal level and will regulate our body's water balance. Sometimes during these periods of high stress the
potassium levels in our body will deplete rapidly but eating bananas will re-balance the levels without the use of drugs. According to a study written in The New England Journal of Medicine, if you eat bananas as part of your regular diet you can reduce your risk of dying from a stroke by about forty percent. If you suffer from leg cramps during the night you may want to try eating two bananas, one in mid-morning and another for a mid-evening snack. This is probably cheaper than a prescription for potassium supplements.
One good way of curing a hangover would be to make a banana milk shake that is sweetened with honey. The banana will calm the stomach and the honey will help build up the blood-sugar levels that became depleted while the milk re-hydrates and soothes the body. In order to preserve bananas place them in the refrigerator; the peel will get dark but the inside stays firm and still delicious. Many people who are into natural alternatives swear if you want to get rid of a wart place a piece of banana skin with the yellow side out on the wart and secure it with surgical tape. These are just some of the
health benefits of bananas.
