Coaching Corner: Banana Power

Eating just two bananas can provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout; not surprising that the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes. Bananas contain three natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber and provide an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Energy isn’t the only way; however, a banana can help us keep fit. Bananas can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions.

ANEMIA:
Bananas, being high in iron, can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:
Extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, bananas are perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BLOOD SUGAR:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

BRAIN POWER:
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. (200 students at an English School were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power.)

CONSTIPATION:
Bananas are high in fiber; therefore including bananas can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

DEPRESSION:
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.

HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, FIVE TIMES the vitamin A and iron, TWICE the other vitamins and minerals, and also rich in potassium…. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, ‘A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away.’