Perfection in a Peel?

This week, credit goes to Jill Easton for bringing bananas and all their wonders to my attention. Of course, I had to share them with you. I've never been a big banana fan, but my kids love them, and every once in a while I'm mysteriously compelled to eat one out of the blue. My husband gets incredibly itchy ears after eating a banana, and we finally found out that it's an allergic reaction weirdly related to ragweed (hayfever). It only happens if he eats raw bananas, so if he eats banana bread, he's fine. So, anyway, whether you go monkey for bananas or not, you might find this information interesting too. And remember, if you're going to buy bananas, BUY ORGANIC.

A banana gives an instant, sustained, and substantial boost of energy. Research has shown that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout (the banana is the number one fruit among the world's leading athletes). But energy isn't the fruit's only benefit. Take a look at this list of purported health boosts from the beautiful banana...

Depression:
Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you feel happier.
Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so, if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. (This is one I've GOT to try).
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Ulcers:
The banana neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature.
Smoking:
The B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium found in bananas help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas regularly can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

P.S. I was still feeling stressed after a miserable migraine yesterday, so I started my day with a banana, and who knows if it's just the power of suggestion, but it felt like a soothing breakfast for my tense tummy. Worth a try!