14 Health Problems That Can Be Treated With Bananas
We all know bananas are natural treats full
of potassium and vitamins, but did you know that they can be used to
treat common health problems? If you didn't, by the time you have
finished reading this article, you will come to realize just how much of
a superfruit a banana really is.
1. Energy to the body
Bananas contain three different types of sugars: glucose, fructose, and
sucrose, combined with a highly respectable amount of fiber. Because of
this, bananas are an excellent source of energy for the body. Studies
have found that two bananas give us enough energy for 90 minutes of
physical training, so it's no wonder that the best athletes in the world
eat bananas regularly.
2. Overcoming depression
A recent study among patients with clinical depression found that many
subjects reported an improvement in mood after eating bananas. The
reason for this lies in a component called tryptophan, an essential
amino acid that the body can not produce by itself, and through it,
hormones such as melatonin, neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and
other substances that contribute to body relaxation are produced.
Tryptophan also reduces anxiety and depression, helps to prevent
migraines, reduces the risk of developing symptoms of cardiovascular
spasms, and, like the amino acid lysine, helps reduce cholesterol
levels.
3. Relief of menstrual symptoms
Not only are bananas rich in tryptophan, but they also contain vitamin
B6, which helps the body maintain balanced glucose levels in the blood.
The effects of these two components contribute to calming the body and
brain, improving moods, and relieving menstrual pain.
4. Power to the brain
The potassium and sugars in bananas have a positive and surprising
effect on our brain's ability to remain concentrated and focused over
time. Numerous experiments have been conducted over the years, where it
was found that groups of students who ate a banana every morning were
much more successful in their studies than those who did not.
5. An essential supplement for anemia sufferers
Bananas are rich in iron and can greatly contribute to the production of
hemoglobin in the body, an essential part of the blood composition that
carries oxygen around the body. Therefore, those who suffer from
anemia, a low hemoglobin content in the blood, should eat bananas as
often as possible.
6. Balance blood pressure
Bananas contain a rare combination of high amounts of potassium and
almost no salt and are therefore perfect for treating high blood
pressure. The ability of bananas in treating blood pressure problems is
so great that the US Food and Drug Administration has allowed exporters
of foods containing high amounts of potassium to advertise them as being
able to help prevent stroke and high blood pressure.
7. Calming heartburn
Heartburn usually comes about due to eating too many fatty foods and
drinking carbonated beverages. Eating bananas balances the acidity of
the stomach, which will ease heartburn and, in some cases, even
eliminate it completely.
8. Treats constipation
You may also sometimes suffer from this unpleasant problem, but the
nutritional fibers in the banana will help you overcome it easily and
quickly. A banana for breakfast every day will contribute to normal
bowel movements without the need to take chemical laxatives.
9. Treats morning sickness
This is usually caused by a change in hormone levels in the body and low
blood sugar levels. Eating bananas can help both of these problems, and
generally, all of the nutrients it contains are beneficial to pregnant
women.
10. Ointment for mosquito bites
Before applying synthetic lotions, squash some pieces of banana and
apply it to the sting. Many people have discovered that doing this
soothes the feeling of itching and reduces swelling.
11. A perfect diet snack
Many people who are overweight find that stress and tension make them
crave sweet snacks and forbidden temptations. Bananas are an excellent
substitute for chocolate and the sweet snacks we all like to indulge in,
and it also gives us the energy we need to get past the hard hours
after lunch.
12. Wart treatment
You can treat warts with only a banana peel and a band-aid or a small
piece of tape. Attach the peel to the wart area, with the outer part of
the peel facing outward and the inside placed on the wart, lightly
tighten the bandage and leave it for a day.
13. A vital aid for quitting smoking
If you are trying to quit smoking, there is no food that can help you
more than the banana. B vitamins, magnesium and potassium help your body
cope better with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and reduce your need for
another cigarette.
14. Coping with stress
Our bodies use potassium to regulate heartbeats, send oxygen to the
brain cells, and balance fluid levels in the body. These are all vital
processes that help the body cope with stress. When your body does not
have enough potassium in the bloodstream and you are under stress, your
heart starts beating quickly, your brain has trouble making quick
decisions, and your hands shake a little. Eating a banana will make sure
none of that affects you.