Powerful Health Benefits of Bananas

Did you know about the many health benefits of bananas? Surprisingly few people are aware of how good this tasty fruit actually is for the body and brain. Most individuals are content to munch away on a sweet banana and are oblivious to the fact that they are eating one of the healthiest and most nutritionally rich tropical fruits that are currently available.

If you are searching for a food that provides you with energy and endurance then bananas are the answer. 1-2 medium bananas contains enough fuel for your body to keep it performing at maximum capacity for 1 ½-2 ½ hours. A chart that shows banana nutrition facts at a glance is often a good way to understand the healthy aspects of the fruit. When you eat a single banana you provide your body with ample amounts of three different sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose. These natural sugars are easily transformed into instant energy that can lift you out of a mid-day slump.

Health benefits of bananas even extend into the classroom. Eating this fruit is also believed to boost mental alertness and help some students score better on tests.

Bananas are also able to help people battle some forms of depression thanks to the tryptophan that is present in the fruit. Tryptophan is the precursor of the chemical known as serotonin which promotes calm, relaxed feelings. If you find that you are feeling anxious, nervous or tired you can eat a banana and begin to experience mellower, soothing emotions. The tryptophan in a banana is one reason many doctors prescribe the fruit for evening and night time snacks.

Healthy bananas are also shown to help regulate blood sugar levels which can help combat mood swings or morning sickness. Some people who are prone to anemia complaints find that the high iron count in a banana can be of benefit. Researchers have found that iron and other compounds in a banana are able to boost hemoglobin production. Losing weight, ulcer prevention and treatment, being used to treat heartburn symptoms are among the additional listed health benefits of bananas.

The banana fruit is packed with healthy fiber which can be useful in preventing digestive woes and upsets such as constipation. There is also proof that this low salt, high potassium snack is a great food for people who battle high blood pressure. It is thought that adding a banana to the daily diet may be able to lower a person's chances of developing high blood pressure problems or having a stroke.

These banana nutrition facts are just further proof of the amazing health benefits of bananas. Compare the benefits received from a banana to the healthy benefits of eating an apple. One piece of this fruit contains 4 times the amount of protein that is found in 1 apple. A banana also has twice as many carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals as an apple. The banana even boasts 3 times the level of phosphorous and 5 times as much iron and Vitamin A as an apple.

Even the nutritional breakdown of this delicious fruit is a testament to the health benefits of bananas. One banana contains 100-200 calories, depending on its size. Bananas contain water, natural sugars, fibers and protein. There are important minerals in this fruit and this list includes potassium, iron, magnesium and zinc. When you eat a banana you are also giving your body a boost of Vitamins A, B, C and E. There is no cholesterol, no salt or sodium and no fats in a banana.

This information on the health benefits of bananas is educational and it is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult a physician.

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