Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough
energy for a strenuous, 90-minute workout. No wonder the
banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading
athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us
keep fit. Bananas can also help us overcome or prevent a
substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a
must to add to our daily diet.
Research published in the January
2005 issue of the
International Journal of Cancer suggests that
regular consumption of whole fruits and vegetables,
especially bananas, is highly protective against kidney
cancer. The results of this large population based
prospective study (13.4 years) of 61,000 women aged 40-76,
show that women eating more than 75 servings of fruits and
vegetables per month cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%.
Among the fruits, bananas were found to be especially
protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week
cut their risk of kidney cancer by 50% compared to those who
did not eat bananas.
A group called
MIND, the largest mental health charity in England, did a study amongst people
suffering from depression and found that many felt much
better after simply eating a banana. This is because bananas
contain Tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts
into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood
and generally make you feel happier.
Two-hundred
students at a Twickenham (Middlesex,
UK) school were
helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at
breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain
power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit
can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Bananas have
also been recognized for their antacid
effects that protect
against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. In one study, a
simple mixture of banana and milk significantly suppressed
acid secretion. The nutrients in bananas help activate the
cells that compose the stomach lining, so they produce a
thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids.
Bananas also contain compounds known as protease
inhibitors which help eliminate bacteria in the stomach
that are the primary cause of stomach ulcers.
This unique
tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in
salt, making it perfect to help with high blood pressure. So
much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just
allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the
fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and
stroke.
