Bananas may well be the funniest fruit. When is the last time you heard a joke about someone slipping on an apple rind? But bananas are more than a great punchline. Bananas are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are a great way to get a boost of healthy energy. If there is one thing more impressive than the banana’s comedic potential, it is the health benefits of bananas.

Health Benefits of Bananas

• Many people know to reach for a banana after a workout or if they are experiencing muscle cramping. That’s because bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps muscle contraction and keeps the heart and nervous system healthy. Low potassium can result in harm to the body, including high blood pressure and an increased chance of suffering a stroke.
• Bananas aren’t just good for your body, they have benefits for your mood as well. Bananas also contain tryptophan, a powerful amino acid that produces a soothing effect. This natural substance is considered as a very subtle sedative, and can produce feelings of calm and relaxation. Bananas are also high in vitamin B, which can also positively affect mood.
• Unlike sugary snacks or simple carbohydrates, bananas are an excellent food to maintain blood sugar. That’s because bananas contain manganese, which regulates blood sugar, and vitamin B6, an important compound that helps the blood produce hemoglobin and the body convert carbs to glucose. Bananas are also high in vitamin C, which not only helps keep blood sugar steady, it supports a healthy immune system.

There are a lot of reasons to get into these funny looking fruits. And with their naturally convenient “packaging”, they are perfect for nutrition on the go!

Source:

“Frequently Asked Questions About Bananas”, Chiquita Banana

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