Are you one of those that made the New Year’s resolution to eat better? I’m horrible at keeping my New Year’s resolutions, but I am valiantly trying to get in my 5-a-day this year. And since my one of my daughter’s favorite things to eat (and her first “real” word after “mama” and “dada”!) is a banana, we constantly have a supply of them on hand. And while I’ve always known that they are good for, I never really knew all of the health benefits that come with this sweet and tasty fruit.
- Bananas have 5 times more Vitamin A and iron than an apple does.
- Because of the amount of vitamins and minerals that are in a banana, it can give you a huge energy boost. Reach for a banana when you hit that mid-day lull when you want to just take a nap to give you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day.
- Bananas are full of potassium. Potassium helps the circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain, helps maintain a regular heartbeat, and helps to keep the proper amount of water in the body. They have also been shown to reduce the chances of a stroke and regulate blood pressure.
- Did you know that bananas contain tryptophan – the same chemical that is found in turkeys? And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t make you tired, but it does help your mind relax so you feel happier. Some studies have even shown that people who suffer from depression feel better after eating a banana!
- There is one study that showed that bananas help increase brain power. It is believed that the potassium helps to make you more alert.
- Bananas have been shown to help alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women.
- Next time you have a mosquito bite, reach for a banana! Rub the inside of the peel on the bite to reduce the itching and swelling that comes along with one of those pesky bites.
- Banana peels also make great fertilizer. Next time you have a plant that you want to flourish, stick a few peels around the base of the plant, and in a few weeks, you’ll be surprised at how well your plant is doing!
So whether you are just trying to eat better, or next time you are looking for a snack, reach for a banana!
