Without a doubt, the banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world. And next to milk, it is considered to be the most complete food when it comes to providing our bodies with the needed energy and in preventing a substantial number of illnesses. It is not fattening and has no cholesterol. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, contain phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and C, and three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose.
As an integral part of a diet, bananas can help prevent a number of health-related conditions. For example, since they are high in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and thus help in preventing anemia. As they are likewise high in fiber, they can help prevent constipation by restoring normal bowel action without resorting to laxatives. They can boost brain power, as researches have shown: as they are packed with potassium, bananas can assist in the learning process of students by making them more alert. Their large amounts of potassium can also help in preventing dehydration. Here's a good tip: If you are bitten by an insect (a mosquito, in particular), don't go outright for the insect bite cream. Instead, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin first. Many people find it surprisingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
And here's another tip for the American consumers: Do you know that we can now enjoy this fruit without necessarily buying a whole bunch of them? As we ordinarily know, bananas are sold by the bunch (about 69 cents per pound) at most grocery stores. It used to be that a lot of individuals out there love bananas but would not buy a bunch simply because, in all likelihood, some will be lost to mushiness or rot before they are all consumed. But in case you haven't noticed yet, "single" bananas are now being sold in coffee shops, convenience stores, and even drug stores. Individually packed ripe bananas are now noticeably placed near the cash registers, along with the candy bars and chips, as a "pick-me-up" choice prior to paying the bill. They are selling for 75 cents each, higher than when you buy them by the bunch. But I'm sure banana lovers wouldn't mind the cost at all, since they can now have a perfect addition to their lunch boxes for office or school. Ranged against either a chocolate bar or potato chips, Americans will surely go for a banana because of its nutritional value. One banana, for instance, has 16% fiber, 15% vitamin C, and 11% potassium, something that we need every day for good health.
"A banana a day keeps the doctor away." Sounds strange? Well, yes, but it really doesn't matter. A banana, after all, works to our good health in much the same way as an apple does - and maybe better.
