Bananas contain fiber and three natural sugar types — sucrose, fructose and glucose. You probably know that this fruit boosts your energy instantly. However, energy is not the only thing you can get when eating a banana, moreover this exotic fruit can help you stay fit and healthy.

A number of studies have proven that bananas are quite efficient in overcoming and preventing a lot of diseases and health issues, and today it is the number one fruit with the world’s most popular athletes — after reading this article, you would probably start saying ‘a banana a day keeps the doctor away’.

We have explained some of the main health benefits you can enjoy with a single banana.

Depression

A recent research conducted by MIND (a well respected and popular mental health charity) involved a group of people struggling with depression. The results showed that the people surveyed felt much better after eating a banana.

Bananas are rich in tryptophan, which is later converted into serotonin, known for its ability to relax the body, improve the mood and make you feel much happier. This is an excellent back up for the research which claimed that the imbalance of serotonin can cause depression. Actually, serotonin is often called ‘the happy hormone.’

Constipation

Bananas are rich in fiber, so the regular consumption can restore the normal bowel function, eliminating any need of laxatives.

Blood Pressure

The matching between high potassium level and low salt level contained in bananas is quite amazing, and it makes this fruit a powerful natural aid in the treatments of high blood pressure. US Food and Drug Administration has now permitted the banana industry as a whole to be able to make official claims, regarding the ability of this fruit to reduce the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.

Hangovers

Banana milkshake or smoothie is the perfect remedy for terrible hangovers. It is super quick, easy and healthy, and you can also add some honey to sweeten it. This fruit has a calming effect on the stomach, and when combined with some honey it can rebuild the depleted blood sugar level, and the milk will efficiently soothe and re-hydrate your organism.

Ulcers

Banana is the top food for people who suffer from intestinal disorders, mostly because of the soft and smooth texture. It coats the lining of the stomach and thus neutralizes any acidity and irritation.

Heartburn

Studies have shown that bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body. Try treating a bout of heartburn with a banana, and enjoy the quick, natural and soothing relief.

PMS

Some good news for all the ladies — throw those pills away! A single banana will sure improve your mood, because the high levels of vitamin B6 will regulate your blood sugar level.

Nerves

Bananas are rich in several B vitamins, essential for the nervous system. The Australian Institute of Psychology conducted a study which found that the pressure at work can make you reach for a comfort food like chocolate or chips. The study involved 5,000 hospital patients, and the researchers found that the most obese patients had a high-pressure job.

In their report the researchers concluded that “to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady”. So be sure to take a banana with you when you go to work.

Anemia

Bananas are rich in iron, which is essential for the stimulation of hemoglobin production in the blood, so this fruit is a natural aid in the treatments of anemia.

Mosquito Bites

Banana skin can be an amazing alternative to insect bite creams when it comes to treating irritating mosquito bites -just rub the inside of a banana skin directly on the affected area.

This is a natural way of reducing swelling and irritations.

Temperature Control

Some cultures recognize bananas as a ‘cooling’ fruit, considered as powerful in lowering both physical and emotional temperature of pregnant women. In Thailand pregnant women eat bananas on a regular daily base to ensure that the baby will be born with a cool temperature.

Morning Sickness

Bananas are the perfect snack between your meals. They will help you keep the blood sugar level up and significantly reduce the morning sickness.

Brain Power

A study conducted in 2013, in a school in Twickenham, England, involved more than 200 students who had exams. The students ate bananas for breakfast, at mid-morning break and for lunch. The study found that this fruit significantly helped the students with their energy and concentration, which goes in favor of the research which found that high level of potassium helps the students learn better, by making them more alert.

Bananas are a natural remedy for different conditions. Compared to an apple, a single banana has four times more protein, two times more carbohydrate, three times more phosphorus, five times more vitamin A and iron, and two times more vitamins and minerals of other kind.

This fruit is super rich in potassium, and health experts recognize it as one of the most valuable and nutritious foods.