Almost everyone has heard of the popular saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away', but it is in fact the banana that tops the list of fruits providing high nutritional value. A banana in your everyday diet can help prevent a number of illnesses. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin A and many other minerals, intake of bananas is recommended for people of all ages, but their benefits to those above 50 are multifold and can not be emphasized enough.
Lowers risks of stroke and high blood pressure: Research shows that eating bananas on a regular basis can substantially cut the risk of strokes by up to 40%. Low potassium content in diet can increase chances of heart strokes. Bananas, as they contain a high amount of potassium (350mg for a medium sized banana), can reduce risks of strokes among individuals in their fifties and sixties. Not only are they a rich source of potassium, but they also contain marginal amounts of sodium (1mg), a perfect combination for preventing the onset of high blood pressure. The potassium in the bananas maintains electrolyte balance and functions like anti-hypertensive drugs, cutting risks of high blood pressure to a large extent.
Good for the stomach: Bananas offer a great cure for acidity and heartburn. They contain leucocyanidin, which increases the stomach's mucous coating, which prevents ulcers. At hospitals, bananas are typically served to patients who are recuperating after getting their ulcers removed. Owing to their anti-acid properties, bananas also provide an effective cure for heartburn.
Keeps age related disorders at bay: Bananas reduce the risk of neuro-degenerative diseases associated with ageing, such as Alzheimer's disease. Apples, bananas and oranges contain high levels of antioxidants that protect neuron cells against neurotoxicity, thus cutting the risk of age-related neurological disorders.
Promotes healthy vision: Macular degeneration in those above 60 leads to progressive loss of vision, eventually resulting in partial or total blindness. One way to prevent early onset of macular degeneration is to include a healthy diet of fruits, especially bananas regularly. A Chinese research team is also testing the effects of banana extracts on regenerating retinal cells damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Mashed bananas are the first solid food fed to infants. This is because bananas are easily digestible and rarely are babies allergic to them. Bananas can be incorporated into diets in a number of ways- you can add them to your cereal or make banana shakes/smoothies. The raw, green variety can be used to make curries. A banana is an all season fruit and comes as close as possible to a complete nutrient package. So, eat a banana a day and reap the benefits of this versatile fruit.
Lowers risks of stroke and high blood pressure: Research shows that eating bananas on a regular basis can substantially cut the risk of strokes by up to 40%. Low potassium content in diet can increase chances of heart strokes. Bananas, as they contain a high amount of potassium (350mg for a medium sized banana), can reduce risks of strokes among individuals in their fifties and sixties. Not only are they a rich source of potassium, but they also contain marginal amounts of sodium (1mg), a perfect combination for preventing the onset of high blood pressure. The potassium in the bananas maintains electrolyte balance and functions like anti-hypertensive drugs, cutting risks of high blood pressure to a large extent.
Good for the stomach: Bananas offer a great cure for acidity and heartburn. They contain leucocyanidin, which increases the stomach's mucous coating, which prevents ulcers. At hospitals, bananas are typically served to patients who are recuperating after getting their ulcers removed. Owing to their anti-acid properties, bananas also provide an effective cure for heartburn.
Keeps age related disorders at bay: Bananas reduce the risk of neuro-degenerative diseases associated with ageing, such as Alzheimer's disease. Apples, bananas and oranges contain high levels of antioxidants that protect neuron cells against neurotoxicity, thus cutting the risk of age-related neurological disorders.
Promotes healthy vision: Macular degeneration in those above 60 leads to progressive loss of vision, eventually resulting in partial or total blindness. One way to prevent early onset of macular degeneration is to include a healthy diet of fruits, especially bananas regularly. A Chinese research team is also testing the effects of banana extracts on regenerating retinal cells damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Mashed bananas are the first solid food fed to infants. This is because bananas are easily digestible and rarely are babies allergic to them. Bananas can be incorporated into diets in a number of ways- you can add them to your cereal or make banana shakes/smoothies. The raw, green variety can be used to make curries. A banana is an all season fruit and comes as close as possible to a complete nutrient package. So, eat a banana a day and reap the benefits of this versatile fruit.