The Health Benefits of Bananas and How Eating This Fruit May Calm You Down

I love bananas and it seems that I'm not alone in my appreciation of this fruit. In fact, it seems even UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown eats up to nine bananas a day. I can understand why he would want to do this as not only are they a tasty snack but there are also many banana health benefits. I am lucky enough to live in a part of the world where bananas are cheap and in plentiful supply; my Thai neighbors are always giving me huge bunches of this fruit for free.

The Health Benefits of Bananas

- Bananas help your body make blood cells because they contain a lot of Vitamin B6. This Vitamin B6 also does other great work like helping to keep your immune system in good working order. Vitamin 6 is also needed by the body for converting carbohydrate to glucose ( gluconeogenesis) which supplies the energy our body needs and keeps blood sugar levels within acceptable levels.

- Bananas are a great source of potassium and this mineral is vital for our survival. Every cell of our body uses this mineral and we also need it for our nervous system and for muscle function. There is believed to be a connection between low potassium levels in the body and hypertension so eating bananas may help keep our blood pressure low. The high levels of potassium in bananas also mean that they are good for the kidneys and bones.

- Bananas can make us feel calm and generally improve our mood, and this is one of the really great banana health benefits. This is because this fruit contains a chemical tryptophan that helps the body produce serotonin. This serotonin is then responsible for producing a calming effect on our mind. Some people use bananas as a very mild type of sedation.

- Another of the banana health benefits is that they are good for your bowels. They contain fibre which means you will pass firmer stools that can pass more easily through the colon. Eating bananas regularly will help you avoid constipation.

Above are just some of the health benefits of bananas; these really are a wonderful fruit to add to your diet. The great thing about them as well is that they are so versatile. Children love them in sandwiches and dried banana chips are also popular.

Sources

6 Awesome Health Benefits of Bananas

Composition and Health Benefits of Bananas