A banana a day keeps the doctor away.

We all know the phrase ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but what about bananas? With more than double the amount of protein, carbs, iron, potassium and other essential vitamins, bananas really are jam packed full of goodness.

Need more energy?
Most of us wouldn’t pass up on a bit of extra energy. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy because it contains three types of sugar: glucose, fructose and sucrose. Two bananas can provide enough energy for a 60-90 minute strenuous work out.

Cure a hangover
One great ways to cure a hangover is to make a banana milkshake with honey. The banana (along with the milk or yoghurt) calms the stomach and with the help of the honey, builds up blood sugar levels. A good glass of water wouldn’t go amiss here either.

Improve your mood
Bananas contain tryptophan (a type of protein) that your body converts into serotonin. Good serotonin levels help improve your mood, reduce stress and enhance your general outlook and happiness levels. It also helps regulate good sleep patterns. Bananas (while certainly not the highest source available) are one of the easiest ways to get a little more tryptophan. Another reason why bananas make such a great snack for those stressed out at work.

Tummy trouble?
Bananas stimulate the growth of friendly good bacteria in your digestive system and because they are high in fibre, bananas can help restore normal bowel action (whether you can’t go or you go too much). Had a dicky tummy? Have a banana afterwards to sooth the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes.

Get a Vitamin Hit
In one banana you get all this…
•B vitamins – Helps to release energy from food, calms and strengthens the nervous system, can help you sleep better, helps with muscle cramps, helps form haemoglobin needed to carry oxygen around the body.
•Magnesium and manganese – Helps maintain your energy levels, helps to relax muscles, can help with blood pressure, good for your heart and good for your bones.
•Potassium – good for brain power and helps with your hearts electrical system. It can also help protect against high blood pressure.
•Vitamin C – great for your immune system.
•Iodine – helps with metabolism and thyroid function.
•Iron – bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
•Selenium – helps protect cells from damage.
•Zinc – good for your immune system, growth and healing.

Other quick tips…
•Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
•Got heartburn? Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you are suffering from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
•Snack on banana between meals to keep your blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.