Friday 26 June 2009

The Humble Banana


A professor CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:
Never put your banana in the refrigerator!
This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars -sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to your daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
ANEMIA: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BLOOD PRESSURE: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.
BRAIN POWER: Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
CONSTIPATION: High in fiber bananas can help restore normal bowel action, without resorting to laxatives.
HANGOVERS: Try a banana milkshake, sweetened by honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re hydrates your system.
MORNING SICKNESS: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
NERVES: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
OVERWEIGHT: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort foods like chocolate and crisps. The report concluded that, to avoid these cravings we should snack on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep blood sugar levels steady.
SMOKING: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

FINAL TIP: Want a quick shine on your shoes? Take the inside of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe.....polish with a dry cloth. Amazing fruit!