Health Benefits of BananasThe many health benefits of bananas make these fruits very important for a healthy diet. Affordable and available year-round almost everywhere, bananas are a wholesome and nutritious food. Bananas are an inexpensive way to get many important nutrients.Bananas are rich in potassium, a mineral that keeps the heart and nervous system functioning well. Potassium plays an important role in muscle health (muscle contraction) and as such important for all muscle-related activities, including pumping of the heart, digestive tract, and regular muscle movements. Maintaining proper levels of potassium is important for good health. As we age, our kidneys become less efficient at eliminating potassium. Too much potassium build-up in the kidneys can be harmful, so as we get older, we must bear this in mind before adding more potassium to our diet. Studies have shown that too little potassium and too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. A diet that has equal quantities of potassium and sodium is recommended for good heart health. The recommended daily potassium intake for a normal adult is 4.7 grams and bananas are an easy and delicious way to meet these requirements. Bananas are a great vitamin B6 source. This vitamin helps the body to make hemoglobin, a vital component of blood. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can lead to anemia. Vitamin B6 helps in the production of white blood cells that fight infection, and thus maintains a healthy immune system. Vitamin B6 also helps convert carbohydrates to glucose and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin B6 is also important for treating arthritis. A diet of only bananas for 3-4 days is used as a natural arthritis remedy. The patient can eat 8-9 bananas daily during this period and nothing else. Bananas are said to be a great remedy for an upset stomach. If suffering from diarrhea, bananas should help because they are a binding food that makes stools harder. Bananas are also one of the most effective heartburn remedies. They are also beneficial for peptic ulcer; bananas neutralize the over-acidity of the gastric juices and reduce irritation of the ulcer by coating the lining of the stomach. Eating a ripe, mashed banana with a cup of milk in the morning has a soothing effect if suffering from heartburn and peptic ulcers. Bananas are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and they are a great source of dietary fiber. A medium-sized banana provides as much as 16% of the daily recommended amount of fiber for an adult. Fiber keeps the digestive system functioning well, and also reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A medium banana has about 100 calories, most of these from sugars, and causes concern to those trying to lose weight. However, the fiber, potassium, vitamins B6 and C in bananas provide so many benefits that they should outweigh the carbohydrate concerns. Also, as with any food, bananas should be consumed in moderation, as part of an overall, healthy, balanced diet and should be coupled with physical exercise, whether yoga or something more fun like the masala bhangra. Sources American Heart Association University of Maryland Medical center NIH Office of Dietary Supplements NIH Medical Encyclopedia American Diabetes Association Home Remedies for Common Ailments (H. K. Bakhru) 
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