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Bananas: natural medicine for digestive problems, depression and more
by Michael Ravensthorpe
NaturalNews
The banana plant is an herbaceous, flowering plant indigenous to the tropical regions of India, northern Australia and Southeast Asia. Its fruits, which are recognized by their crescent shape, yellow skins and sweet tastes, are one of the oldest crops cultivated by mankind and remain the most popular fruit consumed in the United States.(1) In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture claims that Americans eat more than 10 pounds of bananas per person every year.(2)
Bananas are highly nutritious, and a large number of studies confirm their many health benefits. This article takes a closer look at the research into these much-loved fruits.
Research into bananas
Maintain digestive function – Like most fruits, bananas are rich in dietary fiber and can help sweep the colon of accumulated waste. However, a study published in Anaerobe in December 2011 also found that bananas can improve digestive function. The results showed that women who consumed two medium-sized bananas per day demonstrated reduced bloating and greater amounts of beneficial Bifidobacterium gut bacteria, than the control groups. “We concluded that daily consumption of bananas is a well-tolerated eating behaviour, which may induce bifidogenesis in healthy women experiencing body weight problems,” wrote the authors.(3)
Mood booster and antidepressant – There's a good reason why so many people feel happier after eating a banana or two: One medium-sized banana contains an impressive 22 percent of our recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin B6, a water-soluble nutrient that helps the mood-regulating hormone serotonin cross our blood-brain barriers.(4)
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Every Day is Earth Day
Source: http://www.riseearth.com/2015/01/bananas-natural-medicine-for-digestive.html
