Two years ago, in Wellness Pathway #142,
Click, I
disparaged bananas as a high-glycemic food. Although that remark has now been
corrected (bananas are, in fact, a low- to moderate-glycemic food), alert
readers promptly took me to task. Recently, one of my clients and a medical
doctor sent me additional information on the health benefits of bananas that
suggests a new mantra: "A banana a day keeps the doctor away."
Bananas are unique among fruits, since they don't grow on trees. The "banana
tree" is actually a giant herb, related to the lily and orchid family. Like
other fruits, bananas contain negligible amounts of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. With three natural sugars
(sucrose, fructose and glucose) as well as fiber and protein, they
provide a sustained and substantial boost of energy for afternoon pick-me-ups or
athletic activity. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always a great choice when it
comes to snacks.
Beyond their energy-boosting power, bananas can claim the following health
benefits:
- Their protein, which includes the amino acid tryptophan, helps counter depression by raising serotonin levels.
- They help counter anemia, being high in iron.
- They help lower blood pressure and contribute to cardiovascular health, being
high in potassium yet low in sodium.
- Their fiber counters constipation.
- Their texture and smoothness neutralize stomach acid and protect against
ulcers.
- The inside of a banana skin may reduce the swelling of mosquito and other
insect bites.
- Their B vitamins help calm the nervous system.
- Their Vitamin C helps your body neutralize free radicals and produce
collagen.
- They reduce the risk of stroke, by as much as 40%.
- The phosphorous in bananas, combined with milk, can help cure insomnia.
Green bananas are best for cooking or ripening, yellow ones
for eating, and brown-specked ones for
baking breads, muffins and cookies. As the bananas ripen, they will taste
sweeter because the starch in the fruit turns to sugar. Bananas
are a great addition to cereals, salads, yogurt, salsa, smoothies and shakes.
Store bananas in the open air at room temperature until they
reach the desired ripeness, then store them in the refrigerator. The
peel of the fruit will darken in the refrigerator but the banana inside will
remain firm and delicious. To make a banana ripen faster, put it in a brown
paper bag with an apple or tomato overnight.
Coaching Inquiries: What do you eat for snacks and energy? Do you have any of
the symptoms that bananas assist with? How could you add more bananas to your
diet?
To reply to this Pathway, use our
Feedback Form. To learn more about our
Wellness Coaching programs and to arrange for a complimentary wellness coaching
session, use our Contact Form or
Email Bob.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Bob Tschannen-Moran
President, LifeTrek Coaching International,
www.LifeTrekCoaching.com
CEO & Co-Founder, Center for School Transformation,
www.SchoolTransformation.com
2010-2011 President, International Association of Coaching,
www.CertifiedCoach.org
Address: 121 Will Scarlet Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185-5043
Phone: (757) 345-3452
Fax: (772) 382-3258
Skype: LifeTrek
Twitter: @LifeTrekBob
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