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Beneath the slippery skin, bananas can
do wonders for our health. Bananas are a good source of Vitamin A. A
simple banana contains as much as 70 micrograms of the vitamin per 100
grams. Most common variety give about 50 micrograms per 100 grams.
Bananas also contain Vitamin C. A 100 gram banana gives about 17
milligrams of Vitamin C. This is almost one third the amount we need
to take daily. Vitamin A is important for good eyesight, resistance to
infections and the development of bones. Vitamin C is important for
the healing of wounds. A lack of Vitamin C will result in scurvy,
signs of which include sore mouth, bleeding gums and the loosening of
teeth. The fruit also contains a fair amount of minerals such as
calcium and phosphorus which are required by the body for the
development of healthy bones and teeth.
Bananas are also rich in sodium and
potassium, minerals which are important for the proper coordination of
muscle activity. And bananas are one of nature's best sources of
potassium. Each fruit provides about 396 milligrams of this essential
mineral, 11 percent of the daily value. Studies have shown that people
eating food that are rich in potassium have a lower risk of high blood
pressure and related diseases like heart attack and stroke. If you are
suffering from high blood pressure try taking plenty of the fruit, it
may reduce or even eliminate your need for blood pressure medication.
Bananas keep blood pressure down by preventing plaque from sticking to
artery walls. It keeps the lo density lipoprotein cholesterol from
oxidizing, a chemical process that makes it more likely to accumulate.
That is why bananas may be able to prevent the hardening of the
arteries, a contributor to high blood pressure, heart attack and
stroke.
Bananas may guard against stomach
damage. A chemical in bananas called protease inhibitor seems to be
able to kill off harmful ulcer causing bacteria before they do any
damage and also bananas can stimulate the production of protective
mucus to prevent our tender stomach lining from coming into contact
with the harsh acids.
Besides these, the banana has iron,
carbohydrate, protein and fiber-the substance that is so important if
you want to avoid constipation. it is also high in moisture content-73
percent. |