Difference between revisions of "Bananas"

Latest revision as of 03:17, 20 March 2016

Other names : Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, plantains, Musa sapientum, Kadali, Granthini, Moca, Rambha, Pisang raja sereh

four varieties of bananas

Special Precautions of Bananas

• bananas have a high Glycemic Index (GI). Foods with a high GI can spike your blood sugar and cause insulin surges. That in turn can lead to increased fat production.
• An allergic reaction to bananas may include respiratory complaints. Since your mouth is the first place to make contact with the banana, you may experience a swollen tongue, lips, or throat, a raw roof of your mouth, or an itchy mouth and throat. These symptoms may occur immediately or within an hour of eating a banana and can also include a rash or hives. The most threatening reaction is anaphylactic shock, in which breathing becomes extremely difficult and blood pressure drops.
• An allergic reaction to bananas may result in stomach pain, or vomiting. The allergy may stem from a latex allergy since the allergens in a banana are similar to those in latex rubber. A banana allergy may also be a reaction to the fruit itself or to pollen.
  See also :
• Resistant Starch
• BanLec

The benefits of Bananas are

• Anemia. Anemia is one of the most common blood disorders that results to the decline of red blood cell count. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting important nutrients and oxygen all throughout the body. The lack thereof could lead to poor tissue oxygenation and nutrition which can cause difficulty of breathing, weakness, easy fatigability and easy bruising, among others. Iron, which can be found in bananas, can help regulate these red blood cells. Bananas contain relatively large amounts of iron which helps in the production of RBCs and in stimulating the growth of hemoglobin in the body which can help in cases of anemia.
• High in Potassium : Another benefit of bananas is that they contain large amounts of potassium and very low amounts of sodium. The high potassium content in bananas can greatly help in reducing the risk of heart diseases, especially the rising of blood pressure, thereby regulating blood pressure levels and preventing high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a dangerous problem which could lead to life-threatening conditions such as Stroke and Heart Attack. Furthermore, bananas also helps in combating sodium which is not advised for those with high blood pressure and heart conditions. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine also confirms that eating high fiber foods like bananas can prevent heart diseases.
• Constipation. Bananas are yummy fruits that are also good for the tummy and one of the major problems our tummy might encounter is constipation. This is primarily caused by a low fiber intake. If you are constipated, then opt for ripe bananas since they contain higher amounts of fiber more than the unripe ones, thus helping in alleviating constipation. The fiber can also help in pushing the bowel as it travels through the intestines, promoting normal bowel movement.
• Depression : One of the health benefits of banana is in improving one’s mood. Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan (can also be found in turkeys) which can lead to an improved mood. This tryptophan can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is known to regulate a person’s mood levels, and can help one relax, together with norepinephrine which can also be found in bananas. Calming the nervous system can also be done by the Vitamin B in bananas.
• Energy. Energy is required by the body in order to perform daily tasks without getting tired, and this is the reason why our body needs adequate amounts of sugar since this is one of the major sources of energy. Starting the day with a banana gives you the energy you need to get you through the day since it contains 3 kinds of natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose. It provides a substantial boost of energy and research has proven that just taking two bananas is enough to sustain oneself for a strenuous 90-minute workout! This is why bananas are considered as the number one fruit among the athletes. Therefore, a banana a day makes you hyped up all the way!
• Muscle Cramps : Having trouble with cramps during sleep and when you’re in the pool? It’s because cramps are one manifestation of low potassium levels in the body. Increasing your intake of potassium rich foods can help in preventing cramps from occurring. One of the best potassium-rich foods that you can take is a banana. Just a banana a day can keep you cramp-free!
• PMS : In women, PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome includes frequent change in one’s mood. During this time, women may become irritable, happy, sad, depressed in the snap of a finger – and most of these are attributed to pain and hormonal changes. The mood swings associated with PMS could sometimes be a source of frustration especially for people surrounding the PMS sufferer. This is why bananas are recommended for women who experience PMS. The high levels of Vitamin B6 in bananas help regulate blood glucose levels that help overcome mood swings and pain in women during PMS.
• Ulcers : Bananas have been known for their abilities to protect the stomach against ulcer and prevent ulcer damage because of its antacid effects. In one study, a mixture of banana and milk suppressed the acid secretion and in an animal study, it was found that bananas protected the animals’ stomach from wounds. This is because the substances found in bananas contribute in activating the cells that composes the stomach lining, thereby providing a thicker mucus barrier against stomach acids. Another thing is that bananas contain a compound called protease inhibitors that helps in eliminating the bacteria in the stomach that causes stomach ulcers.
• BanLec (from Banana Lectin), is known to exert anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties.
• it can help a person in his quest to quit smoking, as a form of treatment for minor burns, mosquito bites, morning sickness, and it promotes kidney health, stress relief and a lot more. These are just some of the many health benefits that can be acquired by regularly taking bananas. Therefore, include a banana in your daily diet as this yellow fruit can keep the doctor away as much as an apple does.
• lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day
• prevent Kidney Cancer
• protects the eyes against Macular Degeneration
• builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption
• 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.
• Source of Inulin prebiotic.
• Hangovers : One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
• heartburn : Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
• Morning Sickness : Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
• Mosquito Bites : Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
• Nerves : Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
• Ripe bananas are a major source of tyrosine which helps regulate and stimulate dopamine levels, increasing memory and alertness.
• Temperature Control : Many other cultures see bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!’

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.