The news from the Corona front for India is not very encouraging, as number of infected people and casualties are increasing ever day. It looks like the curve of the infected patients to get flatten is going to take still more time. From the cities Mumbai has become worst affected by number of infected people and the casualties. Being a Mumbaikar myself, it really hurts me to see my wonderful city going to dumps and as they say Mumbaikar always comeback from the adverse conditions, this phase will also pass.
As there is no other news worthwhile on which I can write, I am back with my health and diet topic.
TO GO TO BANANAS OR NOT
Banana is one of the most common fruit which is available in all parts of India and also in countries of the world. This is one fruit which is available in all seasons. Generally many myths are attached with this fruit, which is liked by all age group people. Some say banana should not be eaten by elderly people as it is not suitable for their health. It is also true that in India banana happens to be part of most of the cultural and traditional activities across India. Most auspicious occasions see banana being used. It is used in cooking and baking, and even desserts are made from it.
There are many varieties of bananas available in India, almost every region has a variety which is most famous and readily available in that area. Banana is one fruit, which is very affordable, and thus finds the place among the daily diet of many Indians. There are about 20 different varieties of this fruit available in India.
The health benefits :
You must have seen athletes eat bananas, especially during tennis matches, you see the player eating bananas. This is because it gives instant energy minus the fat and cholesterol. So what are the health benefits of bananas and are they good or bad for seniors ? Because they are low in fats and high on nutrients, it is actually supposed to be tasty snack for seniors, unless they have diabetes and advised otherwise by doctors. Even for diabetes, eating in moderation is not considered dangerous, but this is dependent on the individual and hence should be checked with your consulting doctor/physician. One banana can provide a good percentage of daily required intakes of the various nutrients like Copper, Magnesium. Manganese, Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. They also contain vital anti oxidants as well.
Impact :
Potassium deficiency can cause a lot of health related issues in our body, as it is essential for cardiac as well as muscle function. The Potassium in banana travels throughout the body through the bloodstream and relieves the blood pressure through the constriction and relaxation of blood vessels. Also the Vitamin B6, as well as anti oxidants, help in protection against many ailments.
Vitamin C is also present in bananas and can help you with cell and tissue damage and also support brain health. This helps in producing serotonin, the harmone that affects our sleep, moods, stress etc. Also Vitamin C helps our body produce collagen that holds our skin and bones together. Even the Manganese in bananas helps in producing collagen and protects against free radicals.
Considering that the constipation is one of the most troubling issue in old age, bananas help restore the bowel movements and that is something that Indians have followed for years. The fibre content in bananas is the slow digestive type and keeps you full for while and hence, a healthy snack, that stops overeating and getting obese. So the results is that it is ok to Go Bananas, but in moderation.
Friends, I hope this information about Bananas will be beneficial for you.
Waiting for your comments/feed backs/views.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
9th Apr 2020.
R. N. Mungale.
Bananas are very nutrititive.