B is for Bananas

I love bananas, they taste and smell delicious. They are good for our health too, containing three natural sugars, sucrose, fructose, and glucose for a quick boost of energy.

Energy is not the only way a banana can help improve our health. A scrummy healthful fruit to add to our diets that includes:

1.   Reduce Stress
Bananas contain important levels of the B Vitamins which help support and calm the nervous system.

2.   Depression
A survey undertaken by MIND found that among people who were suffering from depression, most felt much happier after eating a banana. Bananas contain a protein called tryptophan that the body converts into serotonin, which is known to make you feel more relaxed, and improve your mood, and levels of happiness.

3.   Blood Pressure
Bananas are high in potassium and low in salt which means they can be a good snack to reduce your risk of high blood pressure caused by high salty snacks. The US Food and Drug Administration has allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and strokes.

4.   Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As we approach the winter many people struggle with this disorder. Bananas can help sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan releasing the feel-good hormone serotonin.

5.   Strokes
According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%.

I have only included some of the reasons to include bananas in your diet but of course as with all delicious food moderation must be observed, particularly if you are working at reducing your weight. I often recommend bananas for those who are highly active and want to increase their weight.

They are a wonderful high-fibre snack but avoid overripe bananas which are high on the glycaemic index and can raise blood sugar levels.

Live with joy and health 💚

Elizabeth Beetham