Ever tasted those sweet, thick-skinned, edible fruit that comes in yellow, green, red, and brown colors? Bananas, as we call them, are not just delicious looking inside and out, but they are also a great source of nutrition. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a banana may also provide the same benefit. It mainly contains both insoluble and soluble fibers, sugar which provides energy, vitamins B6 and C, carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals such as manganese and potassium – all these contributes to a banana’s ability to provide numerous health benefits to the body if taken regularly. Hence, here are just some of the benefits that bananas can provide to human health.

• Against Anemia. Anemia is one of the most common blood disorders that results to the decline of red blood cell count.  Red blood cells are responsible for transporting important nutrients and oxygen all throughout the body.  The lack thereof could lead to poor tissue oxygenation and nutrition which can cause difficulty of breathing, weakness, easy fatigability and easy bruising, among others.  Iron, which can be found in bananas, can help regulate these red blood cells. Bananas contain relatively large amounts of iron which helps in the production of RBCs and in stimulating the growth of hemoglobin in the body which can help in cases of anemia.
• Blood Pressure Control. Another benefit of bananas is that they contain large amounts of potassium and very low amounts of sodium. The high potassium content in bananas can greatly help in reducing the risk of heart diseases, especially the rising of blood pressure, thereby regulating blood pressure levels and preventing high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a dangerous problem which could lead to life-threatening conditions such as Stroke and Heart Attack. Furthermore, bananas also helps in combating sodium which is not advised for those with high blood pressure and heart conditions. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine also confirms that eating high fiber foods like bananas can prevent heart diseases.
• Cure Constipation. Bananas are yummy fruits that are also good for the tummy and one of the major problems our tummy might encounter is constipation.  This is primarily caused by a low fiber intake. If you are constipated, then opt for ripe bananas since they contain higher amounts of fiber more than the unripe ones, thus helping in alleviating constipation. The fiber can also help in pushing the bowel as it travels through the intestines, promoting normal bowel movement.
• Depression. Sad? Depressed? Looking for ways to ease your depression? Then having a banana-eating spree is the key. You may believe it or not, but one of the health benefits of banana is in improving one’s mood. Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan (can also be found in turkeys) which can lead to an improved mood. This tryptophan can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is known to regulate a person’s mood levels, and can help one relax, together with norepinephrine which can also be found in bananas. Calming the nervous system can also be done by the Vitamin B in bananas.
• Energy. Energy is required by the body in order to perform daily tasks without getting tired, and this is the reason why our body needs adequate amounts of sugar since this is one of the major sources of energy. Starting the day with a banana gives you the energy you need to get you through the day since it contains 3 kinds of natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose. It provides a substantial boost of energy and research has proven that just taking two bananas is enough to sustain oneself for a strenuous 90-minute workout! This is why bananas are considered as the number one fruit among the athletes. Therefore, a banana a day makes you hyped up all the way!
• Forget Muscle Cramps. Having trouble with cramps during sleep and when you’re in the pool? It’s because cramps are one manifestation of low potassium levels in the body. Increasing your intake of potassium rich foods can help in preventing cramps from occurring. One of the best potassium-rich foods that you can take is a banana. Just a banana a day can keep you cramp-free!  
• Goodbye PMS. In women, PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome includes frequent change in one’s mood. During this time, women may become irritable, happy, sad, depressed in the snap of a finger – and most of these are attributed to pain and hormonal changes. The mood swings associated with PMS could sometimes be a source of frustration especially for people surrounding the PMS sufferer. This is why bananas are recommended for women who experience PMS.  The high levels of Vitamin B6 in bananas help regulate blood glucose levels that help overcome mood swings and pain in women during PMS.
• Help for Ulcer Sufferers. Bananas have been known for their abilities to protect the stomach against ulcer and prevent ulcer damage because of its antacid effects. In one study, a mixture of banana and milk suppressed the acid secretion and in an animal study, it was found that bananas protected the animals’ stomach from wounds. This is because the substances found in bananas contribute in activating the cells that composes the stomach lining, thereby providing a thicker mucus barrier against stomach acids. Another thing is that bananas contain a compound called protease inhibitors that helps in eliminating the bacteria in the stomach that causes stomach ulcers.

Bananas contain immeasurable amount of substances and nutrients that can very well contribute many health benefits in the body. Other than the ones mentioned above, it can also help a person in his quest to quit smoking, as a form of treatment for minor burns, mosquito bites, morning sickness, and it promotes kidney health, stress relief and a lot more. These are just some of the many health benefits that can be acquired by regularly taking bananas. Therefore, include a banana in your daily diet as this yellow fruit can keep the doctor away as much as an apple does.

Sources
healthmad.com
pmsfactor.com
diet.ygoy.com
whfoods.com
brighthub.com