1. Bananas are Good for the Heart
Bananas are one of nature's greatest sources of potassium, a mineral which helps to maintain healthy blood pressure and normal heart function. One single banana has an average of 460 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of harmful sodium, making bananas the perfect foods in the fight against hight blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart disease. Additionally, bananas are a high fiber food which can help to lower cholesterol, aid in elimination and reduce stress on the heart.
2. Bananas Stop the Burn of Ulcers
Bananas are not only the perfect addition to an ulcer diet, they can help to prevent reoccurrence of gastric ulcers and heartburn. Bananas work in two ways to combat ulcers. First, bananas stimulate the stomach lining to produce mucus which protects the delicate tissue from the stomach acids which cause ulcers. Second, bananas contain protease inhibitors which fight bacteria in the stomach known to cause ulcers. Eating a banana and a small glass of milk after meals or before bed can help to prevent heartburn and treat an ulcer.
3. A Snack That Aids Elimination
Bananas can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Bananas can help to replenish the body's supply of potassium, one of the most important electrolytes lost during bouts of diarrhea. High in pectin, a natural soluble fiber, bananas can help to ease constipation and elimination without the risk of allergic reaction or possible dependency that some laxatives carry. Additionally, bananas contain fructooligosaccharide, a compound which produces beneficial bacteria when help the body to produce digestive enzymes, lessening the amount of time that waste spends in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing the risks of constipation, digestive disorders and colon cancer.
4. A Boost of Vitamin B6
Bananas are an important addition to a vegetarian diet. Meat is one of the greatest sources of B vitamins which are often lacking from low-meat, vegetarian or vegan diets. Vitamin B6 is an essential element in the create of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters which help to regulate moods, metabolism and more. One single banana contains about 35 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B6.
5. A Sweet Treat That Regulates Your Blood Sugar
Bananas may be the perfect sweet treat for people with diabetes and blood sugar concerns. While most sweets are strictly off limits for diabetics as they raise blood sugar levels to dangerous levels, bananas can actually help to regulate blood sugar levels. Bananas can be eaten as they are to help curb a sweet tooth, or try mashing and freezing them for the perfect ice-cream alternative.
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