Health Benefits of Bananas

Banana, which is a tropical fruit, has long been known as an excellent source for energy among endurance athletes. It comes in its natural sanitary peel-away package and is packed with approximately 120 calories of energy, containing sucrose, fructose and glucose. The simple sugars give the athlete a quick boost of energy, while the more complex carbohydrates provide longer lasting energy. In addition to being an excellent energy source, bananas also contains a large number of vitamins, minerals and proteins which are beneficial for maintaining good health and in treating some illnesses.

Bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins A, B and C, potassium, magnesium, iron, tryptophan (an essential amino-acid) and other trace elements. This fruit may be helpful in treating the following conditions:

Tryptophan: Nervousness, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression and mood disorders.

Vitamins B6 and B12: PMS and control of smoking.

Iron: Increase production of hemoglobin in the blood.

Potassium: Blood pressure, Stress and strokes.

Balanced sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose), fiber: Weight reduction through controlled insulin release, morning sickness and reduced food cravings.