Depressed people often feel better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. This powerful hormone is known to make human body relax, improve mood and generally make people feel happier.
Bananas have a characteristics array of phytonutrients. Those that have received most attention in the raw fruit are carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolics acids.
Phenolics compounds are ubiquitous in fresh and dried bananas. They not only contribute to the taste and color of plant-derived foods and beverages but also to the health benefits associated with consumption of diets high in fruits and vegetables.
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose ad glucose and combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.
Bananas are among the few where fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have been detected. They appear to promote the growth of beneficial intestinal flora and suppress the growth of potential pathogens in the colon.
Banana is high in potassium, yet low in sodium, bananas are very effective in balancing blood pressure. And for the same reason, students were found to be more alert and to show increased academic performance when eating bananas regularly.
In one study of 200 students made at Twickenham, Middlesex, those students who ate a banana for breakfast, break and lunch were more alert and achieved better exam result than those who did not eat banana.
Banana neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Having a natural antacid effect, bananas have helped people suffering with heartburn.
Good reasons to eat bananas
