Mrs Lynda Zakari, a nutritionist, says moderate consumption of bananas can protect against cancer of the kidney, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness.
Zakari told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday that banana, which also combats depression, makes one smarter, cures hangovers and relieves morning sickness.
Bananas abound in hundreds of edible varieties that fall under two distinct species, sweet banana (Musa sapienta, Musa nana) and the plantain banana (Musa paradisiacal).
According to her the fruit helps overcome depression, due to its high level of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
Zakari said bananas contained carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fibre, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids. “Bananas are a very good source of vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fibre, potassium, biotin and copper.’’
She advised that one should eat two bananas before a strenuous workout, adding they are high in potassium and low in salt.
“Bananas are able to lower blood pressure as well as protect against heart attack and stroke. They are also rich in pectin and so aid digestion. The high fibre in bananas helps normalise bowel motility, soothes digestive tract and helps restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea.’’
She said bananas were natural antacid, which provides relief from acid reflux, heartburn. “Banana is the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids,’’ she said.
