Bananas: The most misunderstood fruit

Banana is one food which diabetics and people on weight loss diets really dread. They may eat all the possible junk like burgers, pizzas, vada pav etc but not touch that innocent fruit thinking it will really harm them or make them fat. But not many people know how much good can a banana do to you. Besides its health benefits, it is inexpensive, easily available and easy to carry anywhere. It is loved by young and old for its taste, flavor and smooth texture. So let’s highlight the health benefits of banana:

·       Energy: start your day with a banana and see how fresh and active you feel. Banana has a host of vitamins and minerals which give you the required energy. 2 small bananas pre workout can you energy to sustain throughout the workout. Instead of loading caffeine or munching on some high sugar snacks try eating a banana to give you sustained energy release which other sugary snacks would not give you. It is also a great post workout food to bring up your energy levels.
 

·      Bowel health: bananas are rich in soluble finer which absorbs water and helps make stools soft thereby reducing constipation. Try having 1 banana daily instead of depending on laxatives.
 

·       Reducing blood pressure: bananas are excellent sources of potassium which counteracts the effect of sodium and hence reducing blood pressure and chances of stroke. Potassium also helps to maintain a normal heartbeat and water balance in the body.
 

·       Prevent ulcers: being alkaline in nature, bananas prevent formation of ulcers in the stomach and act as natural antacid.
 

·    Superfood: in case of fever, weakness or any infection, banana being nutrient dense gives instant energy.
 

·       Prebiotic: they are rich source of fructo oligosaccharides which act as stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestine.  They protect us from harmful bacteria that cause gastric disturbances. These prebiotics also improve absorption of nutrients. 
 

·       Mood elevator: bananas contain an amino acid tryptophan which gets converted to serotonin known to improve mood.
 

·       Cancer prevention: bananas contain fiber called pectin which bind to the carcinogens and prevent stomach and colon cancer.
 

·       Bone health: the good potassium level in bananas prevents the excess excretion of calcium in the urine thereby preventing osteoporosis.
 

·       Kids health: bananas are very important part of a child’s diet suffering from disrrhoea since it binds the stools to make it harder.
 

Bananas can be eaten whole or as a part of salad, smoothie or cooked.

Eat right at each step

The fast paced life we lead today demands a lot from us in terms of energy, stamina, ability, concentration etc which burdens our mental and physical stability. To shine out, we need to be well fueled and equipped so that we are able handle anything that we are put through. The idea is to perform in your daily life rather than just survive. It actually is ‘The survival of the fittest’.  Your body can only help you perform at your best if you feed it with the best. 

·       Eat right when you wake up: This is the time when your muscles are absolutely depleted & hungry after a 10 hour fast. Eating well here helps you to revitalise your muscles & prevents excess calorie intake in the latter half of the day. A light breakfast like cereals & milk with honey & nuts could do the needful.

·       Eat right during mid meals: Mid meals are the most tempting time of the day to munch on fattening & non healthy stuff such as chips, biscuits, fried snacks etc. Instead pick up a piece of fruit, handful of soya nut or an oatmeal bar & see the difference for yourself.

·      Eat right pre workout: To sustain throughout the workout & to get the maximum out of it, it is mandatory to fuel your system with the right kind of food like fruits, nuts, eggs etc.

·       Eat right post workout: This is the time when your body has absolutely drained off energy & is ready to accept anything & everything to the maximum it can. Feeding your hungry muscles 30- 45 minutes post workout with fruits & proteins gives you the desired results.

·       Eat right at night: Most of the people skip their mails meals due to their busy scheduler overwork & tend to gorge on heavy lavish dinner which is the main culprit of added on calories & feeling of sluggishness throughout the day. The trick is to keep the dinner the light such as soups, salads, lean meat, yoghurt etc.

·       Eat right when out: Parties & social gathering are no more occasions, but very much a part of our lifestyle today. What’s important is to resist the urge to splurge. It is wise to opt for salads, veggies, barbecued or roasted snacks rather than the fried stuff & royal creamy dishes, especially if u are on a calorie cut spree.