Banana Facts

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Banana Facts

by Carole Jackson For years, I thought of bananas as a tasty fruit to eat after heavy exercise due to its potassium content and ease of digestion. What I did not realize is that the potassium in bananas also can reduce your risk for high blood pressure and stroke as well as strengthen your immune system. According to Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, MS, RD, clinical assistant professor at the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, while many think of bananas as baby's first fruit, it actually is a powerhouse of nutrition. People with diabetes should keep in mind that bananas are high in sugar, so they should consult their physicians about how many are safe to eat. Among the health benefits of bananas... * Potassium powerhouse. One banana provides 400 mg potassium, or 11% of your daily quota. Taking in a sufficient amount of this nutrient is vital to maintaining a healthy heart and blood vessels. Not getting enough potassium can contribute to high blood pressure and increased risk for stroke. Additionally, many pharmaceuticals used to treat these conditions deplete potassium, so eating bananas can help replenish adequate levels. * Energizer. On your next visit to the gym, instead of reaching for a power drink or energy bar, choose a natural and less-expensive alternative. Bananas provide a quick and efficient pick-me-up to replace the important vitamins and minerals you lose during a strenuous workout. In addition, their potassium is essential for building muscles. * Rich source of vitamin C. This vital nutrient helps the body heal, defends against infection and aids in the absorption of iron, synthesis of connective tissue and blood formation. * Immunity booster. The vitamin B-6 in bananas gives your immunity a boost. One banana contains about 30% of your daily requirement of B-6, which helps synthesize antibodies in the immune system. This nutrient also is vital to protein metabolism, red blood cell formation and proper functioning of the central nervous system. * Fiber-filled. One banana meets 16% of your daily fiber need. Like many other fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich bananas can help maintain or restore normal bowel function. * Easy on digestion. Bananas are so easy on the tummy that even very young children, the elderly and those convalescing from illness find them easy to eat. * Diet friendly. Nutrient-rich and fat-free, bananas are an excellent choice when you are trying to shed excess pounds. While the simple sugar in bananas has earned them a bad rap from popular low-carb diet plans, Dr. Havala Hobbs dismisses this notion as having no merit. So go ahead and reach for a healthy and satisfying snack. Peel a banana to help meet your daily requirement of five fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat it plain, with yogurt or blended into a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Be well,

 

Carole Jackson Bottom Line's Daily Health News Suzanne Havala Hobbs, DrPH, MS, RD, clinical assistant professor and associate director, Doctoral Program in Health Leadership, School of Public Health, department of health policy and administration, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Havala Hobbs is author of many books on nutrition, including _Vegetarian Cooking for Dummies_ (http://dailyhealthnews.ed10.net/h/GP3N/ASQH/YT/K6HUH) (Wiley).

 

 

 

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

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