When I was a kid we had a pet monkey named Bono (as in Sonny–not like the rock star in U-2). She was great at parties–balloons and cake are gratuitous when there’s a monkey around. I knew two things about Bono–she loved bananas and she was really smart. The more I learn about bananas, the more I realize just how smart she was.
Just two bananas can provide enough energy for a hard-core 90-minute workout. Athletes love them for the quick release of sustained energy that comes from the three natural sugars—fructose, sucrose, and glucose. The vitamin B6 and tryptophan they contain make them helpful for PMS, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder as they regulate blood glucose levels. This calms the nervous system and makes you feel more relaxed and content. Maybe bananas were the reason Bono was always happy.
At about 105 calories, they are high in fiber (about 3 grams) and have a natural antacid effect on the body making them easily digested and good for heartburn, digestion and ulcers. They’re a good source of magnesium (32 mg), potassium (422 mg) and vitamin B6 (0.4mg). The combination of low sodium, high potassium and magnesium make them helpful in managing blood pressure. So, adding them to an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
In Twickenham (Middlesex) School in England, a study was conducted on 200 students. They were instructed to eat bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch to see if this would boost their brainpower. This little yellow bundle of potassium proved to help the students remain more alert and test better. Then, here in the U.S. a study concluded that eating 5 bananas a day was 50% as effective as taking prescription hypertension medication. The high potassium and low sodium levels in bananas make them great for blood pressure. The Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make an official claim for the fruit’s ability to lower the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
We’re not done – believe it or not bananas can also get rid of warts. Simply tape the skin of a banana–yellow side out, to the wart and the wart will slowly disappear. Also, to avoid those annoying little strings that separate from the peel, try peeling them the way Bono and all the other apes do – from the bottom up.
Well, Bono taught me a lot. I picked up a few skills swinging “monkey style” right along side her on our old clothesline. Not sure where that will come in handy but the lesson about bananas has really been helpful.
