Did you know that the Latin name for banana is musa sapientum, which means “fruit of the wise men”? Did you know that bananas are technically berries and they float in water? How about that all bananas are naturally slightly radioactive because of their potassium content (no worries, the levels are not harmful)? Stay with us as we reveal 15 health benefits and some other interesting facts about bananas!
Fun Fact #1: Amusingly, bananas don’t actually grow on trees — they grow on plants that are officially classified as an herb and are in the same family as lilies, orchids, and palms.
Bananas have a very unique flavor and aroma and are rich in minerals and vitamins – in fact, they are one of the healthiest fruits around. They provide many health benefits and can help during treatment of various health conditions and issues.
Eating bananas regularly will help you treat:
- Diabetes;
- Depression;
- Kidney cancer;
- Osteoporosis;
- Eye sight problems;
- Morning sickness.
Bananas can also improve the performance of your brain, so maybe the Romans new a thing or two when they named them fruit of the wise man.
Fun Fact #2: About 75% of the weight of a banana is water. They are low in calories and have no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol.
OTHER 10 BENEFITS OF REGULARLY EATING BANANAS ARE:
1. Bananas battle Anemia
All bananas are rich in potassium which improves your blood and acts preventively and treats anemia.
2. Bananas fight Inflammation
Besides potassium, bananas contain vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin B6. The vitamin B6 has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can help individuals with joint pain. It also stimulates white blood cell production, can help treat type 2 diabetes and support the function of the nervous system.
3. Bananas prevent Calcium Loss
Yes they do and even better, they also improve the calcium absorption which makes your bones and teeth stronger.
4. Bananas boost Energy Levels
Bananas provide your body with the energy it needs, so small wonder you see tennis players eating bananas during their short breaks. Grab 2 bananas before doing any energy-draining physical activity.
Fun Fact #3: A man in India once ate 81 bananas in 30 minutes. Fitting then that India produces more bananas than any other country on the planet, accounting for 28% of the worldwide crop. Hawaii is the only place in the U.S. where bananas are grown commercially, while the overwhelming majority of the bananas Americans eat come from countries in Latin America.
5. Bananas against Kidney Stones
Bananas prevent the creation of kidney stones due to their support of calcium absorption in your body. They also protect your eyes from macular degeneration.
6. Bananas help Digestion
Certain digestive issues can be resolved by regularly eating bananas since they are rich in dietary fiber. They also treat constipation and regulate bowel movement because of the fiber. Some countries, like Japan, use the fiber in the banana plant to make fabric or even paper. Banana paper origami anyone?
7. Bananas regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Bananas can also regulate blood sugar levels and are safe for type 2 diabetics (just be aware that you may need to make adjustments to the portion size you eat depending on how your blood glucose responds to eating bananas and other types of fruit). Furthermore, PMS symptoms and mood swings can be relieved by bananas.
Fun Fact #4: Americans eat an average of 27 pounds of bananas per person every year. More than 96% of American households buy bananas at least once a month while 51% of those are eaten for breakfast at home.
8. Bananas make you Smarter
The potassium in bananas improves brain function, enhancing your cognitive and reasoning abilities.
9. Bananas prevent Heart Attack and Stroke
Research shows that eating bananas on regular basis can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as decrease the risk of getting some cancers.
10. Bananas treat Depression
Bananas are the only fruit that contains the amino acid tryptophan, a compound that turns into serotonin when consumed. Serotonin is a very potent neurotransmitter which can regulate the mood as well as treat depression.
Fun Fact #5: Thanks to its oil, rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite, any other bug bite or on poison ivy will help keep it from itching and getting inflamed. Rubbing a banana peel on your forehead can help cure a headache.
Bananas truly are a miraculous fruit with many health benefits. Try to include more bananas in your diet – they really are the fruit of the wise man, healthy and tasty.
If you liked this article, check our 9 amazing and 3 shocking things you never knew about pineapples.
