Fruits generally are good for sound health but bananas surpass others in terms or health benefits, availability and cost.  While I was young, we  thought banana is mainly for the monkeys but now I know better.

Bananas are a unique fruit with unique properties, quite an amazing fruit. It is grown worldwide with its origin in Malaysia. There are more than 300 varieties available for mankind in various shapes and sizes.
The nutritional value is fantastic. Banana,  compared with apple, has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorous, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice all the other vitamins and minerals.

Researchers have published in journals of medicine that consumption of high fiber diets, like bananas, help prevent cardiovascular diseases. In a particular study, 10,000 American adults were followed up for 19 years and it was found  that people eating the most fibers, 21 gramms per day had  12% less coronary heart diseases compared with those eating least, 5 gramms daily.  In all these studies bananas consumption stands out to be beneficial.  Banana health benefits are numerous.  I will only mention a few.

Reduced a risk of High blood pressure
Bananas have the highest potassium containing fruit plus other essential minerals for normal blood pressure and heart function. The effectiveness of natural potassium in management of blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies. Diets containing food that are rich in potassium and low in sodium reduces the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Potassium helps the body to maintain normal fluid and electrolytes in the cells which empower its functions. A moderate size of bananas contains about 350mg of potassiums eating two per day will help in controlling the blood pressure.

In certain parts of India, some scientists concluded that banana; apart from potassium content, have some other blood lowering effect that is similar to ACE-inhibitors, a group of antihypertensive drugs.  A drop of up to 10 % in blood pressure has been reported by researchers in people who take at least two bananas daily for a week.  Banana can then be said to have addictive effect with other antihypertensive.

Stroke/ brain attack
The risk of stroke in people that regularly eat banana was said to be reduced by 40%. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke and once that is adequately reduced, stroke risk too will reduce. Apart from this, banana, like other fruits contain some other anti oxidants that protect the brain from stroke and degenerative changes that lead to dementia, a state of memory loss commonly seen in the elderly.

Cholesterol lowering effect
Certain studies have shown that banana has the potential to lower cholesterol. The fibre contents in the pulp are suggested to be source of fat lowering effect. This may be true but low consumption of fat containing food is best way to control cholesterol in the body. Let us try and eat at home and avoid fast foods

Quit Smoking
The vitamins B6 and B12, and the potassium-magnesium combination found in bananas has a profound effect in helping the body recover from nicotine withdrawal of one who is trying to quit smoking. If you are having this problem of nicotine withdrawal try banana, continuation of smoking burns life. Quit smoking today. Smokers are liable to die young.

Protection of the kidney
Bananas promote an overall improvement of the function of the kidneys. High contents of potassium suppress the excretion of calcium in the urine thereby minimizing kidney stones. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Swedish women eating banana four to six times a week  in a particular study were found to  halve their risk of developing  kidney cancer compared with those who did not eat this fruit.

Effect on bowel
Banana has soothing effect on the stomach. It contains antacid and certain mucosa coating materials (pectin) that protect against stomach ulcer and cancer fibre contents aid the mortality of the bowel preventing constipation and diarrhea.  If you have heart burns, eat banana.  Banana may serve as a good adjunct for people on aspirin to prevent the ulceration of their stomach.

Boost energy
Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. These are regular supply of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minutes work out. Most athletes take banana. Potassium content help the muscle function to prevent cramps during exercises.

Immunity booster
Bananas help the immunity of the body against infectious diseases. The vitamin B6 content which is up to 25% of the recommended daily allowance contributes to the formation of antibodies and red cells.

Caution
Be moderate in consumption of banana. Eating bunches of banana every day, though unlikely, may lead to high concentration of potassium in the body which can lead to sudden heart arrest (where heart stops). People on water pill medicine (lasix) may need more to balance potassium loss otherwise, two moderate sizes daily for adults is sufficient.

Bananas must not be consumed by those who are suffering from kidney failure because of its high potassium content. People on warfarin drug need to be cautious in taking banana and potassium containing fruits.

In conclusion, call banana food or medicine, you can’t be wrong.