Here's to Your Health - Bananas
Here's to Your Health - Bananas
Besides being tasty and affordable, bananas are very nutritious. They are called “the fruit of the wise”. You would be wise to consider bananas a part of your daily diet and here are some of the reasons.
Bananas are rich in fiber and Vitamin C. They also contain Vitamin B6, potassium, iron and manganese. This versatile fruit is cholesterol free and contains no fat or sodium. Vitamin C has a healing property and defends the body from infections. Vitamin B6 helps the immune system. Potassium is helpful to your muscles and may lessen your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Bananas are available year round. There are hundreds of varieties that have been identified worldwide. They are even grown in Iceland. Bananas contain three natural sugars, fructose, glucose and sucrose. These provide an energy boost.
Legend has it that an old man in Burma watched some birds eating bananas. He decided that if birds could eat them, people could eat them as well. The Burmese name for bananas is hnget pyaw, meaning “the birds told”.
When using bananas for a recipe, three average bananas weigh one pound. The average American eats 25 pounds of bananas per year. One small banana has 60 calories. Bananas have an antacid effect which is helpful for those suffering with heartburn. They sometimes alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.
Bananas are appreciated for their convenience and widespread availability. The USFDA claims that eating bananas can lower blood pressure as well as lowering the risk of stroke. They should be stored at room temperature. Even the banana peel can be put to use. To reduce the itch and swelling of mosquito bites, rub the inside of a banana peel over the bite.
If you want to reach for something healthy, why not chose a banana? Many people all over the world are doing just that.