Entre Nós

Bananas can be very underrated, even though they contain the nutrients our body needs. Maybe this is due to the fact that some new, exotic fruits are constantly being promoted as “the healthiest choice”, and bananas seem so dull compared to them.

The famous saying for apples, “Two apples a day can keep the doctor away”, applies also for bananas, since they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and natural sugars like fructose and sucrose.

Most of the people are not aware of these facts, but still bananas are the most consumed fruit in the USA, more than oranges and apples together. Often they buy them in big quantities, especially if there is some special offer on bananas- at the beginning their skin is green, after a few days spots start to appear, until they cover the whole fruit. At this point, most of us will throw the banana, thinking that it`s rotten, because most of the fruits become brown when rotten. But not bananas, the darker they get the higher is the level of TNF.

It is a substance that fights cancer cells, by helping the communication between the immune system cells, and by leading them to the inflamed and infected areas of the body.

The TNF from ripe bananas prevents the growth and spreading of cancer cells. Bananas are also rich in antioxidants, famous for boosting the immune system and the number of white blood cells.

The next time you see a ripe banana, eat it instead of throwing it away. Here are some of the other reasons why:

Bananas are rich in potassium, they can lower the sodium level in your body- this way they stabilize your high blood pressure and are good for the heart.

Just a single banana can reduce the heartburn symptoms, because it is a natural anti-acid.

Bananas are rich in dietary iron, which stimulates the production of red blood cells.

A component called tryptophan contained in bananas acts like natural anti-depressant. In your body, it transforms into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you relaxed and happier.

The diet for stomach ulcer forbids many types of food, but not bananas because they protect your stomach from irritation and corrosive acids, so you can eat them as much as you like.

Bananas are also rich in fibers which stimulate bowel movement, so if you have problems with constipation, just eat a banana.

To get the energy you need, eat a banana 1 hour before exercise, the vitamins and minerals will increase your endurance, the potassium will prevent muscle cramps, plus it is low in glycemic carbs.

Bananas are a good, natural way to control temperature, on hot days or when you have fever.

The high B vitamin content in bananas will regulate your blood sugar, help you relax and calm you nerves. So when you are stressed or moody, just eat a banana or two.

Source: