Health benefits of banana you did not know about!

October 30, 2015

Some scientists believe that the banana may have even been the world's first fruit. Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world for good reason. The curved yellow fruit packs a big nutritional punch, wrapped in its own convenient packaging.

Bananas combat depression makes you smarter, cure hangovers, relieve morning sickness, protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness. They can cure the itch of a mosquito bite and put a great shine on your shoes.

Bananas provide a variety of vitamins and minerals,

Vitamin B6 - .5 mg

Manganese - .3 mg

Vitamin C - 9 mg

Potassium - 450 mg

Dietary Fiber - 3g

Protein - 1 g

Magnesium - 34 mg

Folate - 25.0 mcg

Riboflavin - .1 mg

Niacin - .8 mg

Vitamin A - 81 IU

Iron - .3 mg

The recommended intake of potassium for adults is 4700 milligrams per day.

Helps Lower Cholesterol

It is said that Pectin which is a soluble fibre in banana helps to lower Cholesterol levels. According to researchers, fibres that are water soluble such as pectin, psyllium, beta-glucan etc., lower the LDL Cholesterol without disturbing the HDL cholesterol.

Improves Nerve Function and Enhances Brain Power

Banana is a rich source of B vitamins and therefore perks up nerve function. Potassium, in banana keeps the mental faculties vigilant and boosts learning abilities.

Cancer

Some evidence suggests that moderate consumption of bananas may be protective against kidney cancer. A 2005 Swedish study found that women who ate more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40 percent, and that bananas were especially effective. Women eating four to six bananas a week halved their risk of developing kidney cancer.

Decreases the Risk of Stroke

Studies indicate that regular intake of bananas in daily diet helps reduce the occurrence of stroke and this is due to the high amount of potassium.

Helps Build Healthy Bones

Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is said to have astonishing ability to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, consuming bananas help in building better bones.

Treats Anemia

Bananas are a good source of iron for people suffering from anemia. Iron deficiency is a key factor in this health condition and eating foods rich in iron will help replenish this essential mineral.

Regular consumption of bananas along with other iron-rich foods can gradually reduce symptoms associated with anemia including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat.

Bananas Benefits for Weight Loss

Bananas contain loads of fiber and low amounts of fat and they are also easily digestible. A banana of 100 grams contains approx. 90 calories. And taking into consideration all its benefits it will not hurt including it into your diet. So dear weight watchers don’t eliminate banana from your diet completely.

Foot Care

The moisturizing property of banana can be used to get rid of cracked heels. All you need to do is mash the pulp of two ripe bananas and apply this pulp on clean, dry feet. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse the feet clean. The banana pulp will penetrate deep into dry, cracked skin to create soft and supple feet.

Good for Ulcers

Eating bananas regularly may help protect against stomach ulcers. Compounds in bananas seem to create a thicker protective barrier in the stomach against hydrochloric acid.

Bananas also contain protease inhibitors that work to eliminate certain bacteria in the stomach implicated as a major cause of stomach ulcers.

Pack for Dry Hair

Mix three spoons of honey with ripe banana and apply it on your hair while it is still wet. Let the hair pack sit for 15-20 minutes followed by the usual hair wash.

Other Benefits

Eating bananas will help prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.
Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.
Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.
Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness.
Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
Control blood sugar and avoid binging between meals by eating a banana.
Eating a banana can lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day.
The natural mood-enhancer tryptophan, helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.
Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place.
Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine.