The banana is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with energy-giving carbohydrate and heart-healthy potassium, this fruit is so common that we probably have stopped giving it any importance. Which is wrong – banana benefits us in fascinating ways to make our lives better.
How you can eat them is simple, but what they can do to you is incredible. To know more, keep reading.
- Cure for Ulcers & Heartburn
Bananas are a known cure for heartburn. They help balance your stomach’s pH and enhance the protective mucus layer, relieving pain. The fiber content also moves food through your digestive tract faster – preventing reflux.
Eating bananas regularly may help protect against stomach ulcers. Over the long term, bananas thicken the protective mucus barrier in the stomach, preventing damage from hydrochloric acid. Bananas also contain protease inhibitors that help eliminate stomach bacteria which can cause stomach ulcers.
- Rich in Potassium
If you asked most people why eating bananas is good for them, the most common reply would be that they are rich in potassium.
Whilst this is true, it is also important to understand exactly why we need potassium in the first place.
Potassium is a vital nutrient because it helps to regulate your blood pressure, which is what helps to keep your heart functioning correctly.
Our bones also need this potassium as it helps to reduce calcium excretion, which is how bananas help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and help to keep bones strong the older we get
- Bananas are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals
There are several kinds of bananas available, and they range in size, shape and color. The most common variety is the yellow banana, which is green when not fully ripe. Bananas have fiber and many antioxidants.
For instance a typical banana (100 grams/3.5 ounces) has only around 89 calories, which is almost solely water and carbohydrates (22.84 grams). Bananas have little protein (1.09 grams) and trace amounts of fat (0.33 grams). Carbohydrates in unripened bananas are mostly starch and resistant starch, however as the banana ripens, the starch transforms into sugar, namely glucose, sucrose and fructose (12.23 grams
- Skin Conditions
Even the banana’s skin has its uses. It is great for treating skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
Rub the freshly peeled inside of the banana skin gently over the affected area and leave the residue to be absorbed. The fatty acid content of the banana skin helps relieve a variety of skin conditions, as well as having a strong moisturising effect.
In the case of psoriasis you may notice some further reddening initially, but this should improve after a few days of use. Patch test on a small area if you have any concerns. It usually takes several weeks to see the full benefit from this treatment.
Banana peel treatments are a traditional remedy to heal warts. Rub a small piece of banana peel over the wart and then tightly tape it in place. Leave it overnight and repeat this process for at least a week or until the wart disappears.
Many testimonials online have reported good results with these simple treatments, though results with natural cures can be varied. I’d be interested to hear from anyone who’s tried any of these techniques for themselves.
- Energy Boost
Bananas contain natural compounds that help to boost the body with natural energy that is the preferred steady kind, so it is kinder to blood sugar levels.
When this kind of energy is given it can help to motivate you and your body to lose weight. Double bonus really?