Bananas are one of those fruits which are almost omnipotent. They are the easiest and cheapest available nutritious food loaded with a wide array of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, neurotransmitters and sugar. Among the variety of beneficial effects of bananas like protection against diabetes, anemia, weight loss, muscle cramps, acidity and impaired digestion, prevention against various types of cancers and strengthening of eyes and bones, there is a very unique property of bananas which distinguishes it from all the other fruits. It has a profound effect on mood enhancement and is an important antidepressant.
Bananas are said to have originated in South-east Asian countries like Philippines and New Guinea. From here they have probably arrived in India, Malaysia and other countries. Domestication and cultivation of bananas goes back to as early as 3000 BC and their benefits in food and medicine was also known for a long time by the local people. They had been introduced in Africa by Arabian traders and to Americas by Portugese explorers.
Bananas have exceptionally high levels of potassium which helps maintain the ionic balance, lowers blood pressure and prevents stroke. They are also rich source of vitamin B6 which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Not only this, bananas also have great amounts of amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine which are important for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, two most important neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Bananas have been used for a long time for treating PMS (Pre-menstrual) symptoms and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
In fact, bananas contain not only the precursors but the three neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in considerable amounts. Though it has been debated for a long time as to the direct effectiveness of these dietary neurotransmitters because they are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. Still the presence of the neurotransmitter synthesizing materials makes bananas an important medication against stress and depression.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter, a molecule that carries signals along and between nerves, found throughout the body especially in the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and blood platelets. As serotonin is found widely in the body it is thought to influence various physiological function and is a key factor in maintaining mental well-being.
Changes in tryptophan levels, serotonin precursor also found in bananas, have been known to affect several psychological, behavioral and physical processes including cognition, mood, sleep, social interactions, memory and visual interpretations. Historically lowering of tryptophan levels has been related to substantial mood-lowering effects in healthy young men. It is an important antidepressant used therapeutically to treat depressive symptoms in patients.
Since now it is clear that both serotonin and tryptophan are happiness inducing molecules, we should focus on their sufficient intake for our well-being. There are several supplements available in the market for augmenting the dietary consumption of these mood-regulators. However, it is always better to replenish our body with dietary intake of all essentials substances as they have minimum side-effects. Thanks to mother nature we have an excellent dietary source of both tryptophan and serotonin, i.e. bananas.
Let us find out how we can increase our dietary intake of bananas,
1. Every morning, banana milk shake without sugar and fat-free milk, is a healthy and easy way to incorporate bananas in diet.
2. To have bananas after lunch or as snacks is also a very good way to have them.
3. Fruit salads with a variety of seasonal fruits including bananas is a tasty alternative. A little cream on top of the fruit salad won't do much harm.
4. Vanilla ice-cream and bananas is a all time favorite combo. Also, make sure, the ice-cream is a low fat one, so that you can check the cholesterol and saturated fat content of your food intake.
5. Banana-walnut cake or banana chips are not that great an alternative because cooked bananas lose a lot of their nutritional qualities.
Other than the above amazing feature of bananas, it is also important for good digestion and proper bowel movement. Controlling acidity and constipation is helpful in relieving people from pimples or acne.
In the same context, I would like to add that packs made up of bananas are quite good for your skin. Along with acne, it can reduce inflammation, itching sand irritation leaving your skin looking fresh and smooth.
So, we can summarize this article as A banana a day keeps a person healthy, happy and wise.
Bananas are said to have originated in South-east Asian countries like Philippines and New Guinea. From here they have probably arrived in India, Malaysia and other countries. Domestication and cultivation of bananas goes back to as early as 3000 BC and their benefits in food and medicine was also known for a long time by the local people. They had been introduced in Africa by Arabian traders and to Americas by Portugese explorers.
Bananas have exceptionally high levels of potassium which helps maintain the ionic balance, lowers blood pressure and prevents stroke. They are also rich source of vitamin B6 which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Not only this, bananas also have great amounts of amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine which are important for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, two most important neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Bananas have been used for a long time for treating PMS (Pre-menstrual) symptoms and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
In fact, bananas contain not only the precursors but the three neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in considerable amounts. Though it has been debated for a long time as to the direct effectiveness of these dietary neurotransmitters because they are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. Still the presence of the neurotransmitter synthesizing materials makes bananas an important medication against stress and depression.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter, a molecule that carries signals along and between nerves, found throughout the body especially in the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract and blood platelets. As serotonin is found widely in the body it is thought to influence various physiological function and is a key factor in maintaining mental well-being.
Changes in tryptophan levels, serotonin precursor also found in bananas, have been known to affect several psychological, behavioral and physical processes including cognition, mood, sleep, social interactions, memory and visual interpretations. Historically lowering of tryptophan levels has been related to substantial mood-lowering effects in healthy young men. It is an important antidepressant used therapeutically to treat depressive symptoms in patients.
Since now it is clear that both serotonin and tryptophan are happiness inducing molecules, we should focus on their sufficient intake for our well-being. There are several supplements available in the market for augmenting the dietary consumption of these mood-regulators. However, it is always better to replenish our body with dietary intake of all essentials substances as they have minimum side-effects. Thanks to mother nature we have an excellent dietary source of both tryptophan and serotonin, i.e. bananas.
Let us find out how we can increase our dietary intake of bananas,
1. Every morning, banana milk shake without sugar and fat-free milk, is a healthy and easy way to incorporate bananas in diet.
2. To have bananas after lunch or as snacks is also a very good way to have them.
3. Fruit salads with a variety of seasonal fruits including bananas is a tasty alternative. A little cream on top of the fruit salad won't do much harm.
4. Vanilla ice-cream and bananas is a all time favorite combo. Also, make sure, the ice-cream is a low fat one, so that you can check the cholesterol and saturated fat content of your food intake.
5. Banana-walnut cake or banana chips are not that great an alternative because cooked bananas lose a lot of their nutritional qualities.
Other than the above amazing feature of bananas, it is also important for good digestion and proper bowel movement. Controlling acidity and constipation is helpful in relieving people from pimples or acne.
In the same context, I would like to add that packs made up of bananas are quite good for your skin. Along with acne, it can reduce inflammation, itching sand irritation leaving your skin looking fresh and smooth.
So, we can summarize this article as A banana a day keeps a person healthy, happy and wise.
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