February’s food of the month is: banana!
Named for the Arabic word for finger, bananas have countless physical and mental health benefits. They help reduce stress, manage anxiety and maintain a stable mood in addition to improving sexual health. Learn about the amazing banana and start incorporating them into your diet!
Banana is a natural mood enhancer because it has high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that we only obtain through food.
Tryptophan, when consumed, is turned into serotonin, a neurotransmitter in our brains associated with positive mood. A deficiency of tryptophan in our diet results in a deficiency of creating serotonin, leading to low mood, depressive symptoms, anxiety and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, bananas have shown to reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The MIND Research Institute conducted a research survey and found that people who experience depressive symptoms felt an alleviation of some of their symptoms after eating bananas regularly. In addition, they found that bananas (especially if eaten when they are more green than yellow) successfully regular glucose levels in the blood which is also associate with maintaining an stable mood.
Bananas are known to be a rich source of potassium, which has significantly positive effects on our mind and body. It aids in increasing brain power by making the pupils in your eyes more alert. Research has shown eating a banana prior to studying helps assist in learning and retaining information. In addition, having a diet high in potassium has shown to reduce the risk of stroke.
Potassium also acts as a buffer against fluid retention and weight gain, common symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). They are also rich in Vitamin B6, which has been shown to relieve the mood symptoms of PMS.
Bananas are also a great antidote for recovering from stress. The potassium helps normalize heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body’s water-balance system, all of which are sent out of whack when we are stressed. Bananas are also a source of GABA (another neurotransmitter in our brains) necessary to reduce stress and anxiety and to allow us to relax and sleep well. Symptoms of a GABA deficiency include: backache, rapid heart rate, chronic pain, depression, rage, restlessness, and insomnia. High in fiber, bananas also help improve memory and aid in clear thinking.
High levels of iron in bananas help protect against anemia by stimulating the production of hemoglobin. This is particularly helpful because anemia has several serious side effects, one of which is the development of depression.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, bananas may be your food of choice for a romantic date with your loved one. They are one of nature’s best aphrodisiacs and can help with improving sexual health. The B-vitamins in the bananas convert carbohydrates into energy. This may help the body produce sex hormones, such as testosterone. Bananas also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which enhances male sexual health.
For all these reasons, and many more, make banana the star of your diet this month and notice the change you experience in your body and mind!