Info on bananas. true or false?

[Jesse Marunde]

got this in an email. don't know if it's true or not...

Bananas: Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.



Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because 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.



PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.



Blood Pressure: This unique tropical 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: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their 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.



Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.



Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.



Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.



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.



Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.



Overweight, and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report 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.



Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.



Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature



Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan



Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,

B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.



Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.



Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!



So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

[Jacob Sauter]

got this in an email. don't know if it's true or not...

Bananas: Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because 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.
I'de like to see the studies that say it can prevent an illness. Thats such a vague statement it really holds no merrit. Bananas do contain sugar, thats why they arent a good food when dieting(think insulin).
Tryptophan is an amino acid, not really a protein(technically its a building block).. and it only contains 8mg. Someone Jesses size would need roughly 3000mg for an effective dose. Another thing, there are very few studies that show tryptophan effecting seratonin levels. The only thing it would be good for is helping you sleep(taken in large doses).


PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical 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.
I banana contains less than 1mg of Vit B6(which isnt all that bad, considering that the %DV is 2mg). B6 can be used in nearly any claim, as its involved as a cofactor in a wide variety of enzyme systems. As such, "structure/function" claims can be made for virtually any health condition. For example, because B6 is needed in the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into niacin, a common B6 claim relates to "healthy cholesterol levels" (because niacin can help lower cholesterol in some people).
There is less than 1mg of Iron in a banana.. which is only about 1%DV for a 2000kcal diet. Its pretty much worthless in that sense.

Potassium is a mineral, that assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells.. didnt know it would help with blood pressure? Maybe Patrick will chime in. I guess it could im not really sure how the body reacts in that sense :confused:


Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their 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. Where is this study? Sounds like bullshit IMO.

Bananas are high in fiber, but there are better sources for someone thats constipated IMO.


Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Drinking milk with a hangover is stupid IMO. I would definately puke.. best thing to do is re hydrate yourself with water.

I would like to know what causes "antacid effects". Only thing I could think of is calcium(think TUMS) and a banana has very little. Very poor choice.

I dont know what causes morning sickness in pregnant women.. so I wont touch that lol


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.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Bananas sound magical! Never tried this , but I would like to know what reduces swelling?

Bananas only contain a miniscule amount of B6 and B5(Pantothenic Acid), no B1, B2, B3, B6, or B12. Bogus claim.


Overweight, and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report 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. I dont know, maybe Patrick does?


Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperaturehahahhahaa.. bullshit. I could understand if the banana containd certian things in its profile, but it doesnt.(RE calcium)

Lowers the temp of the baby? Again, I know nothing about pregnant women, but Im sceptical on this one.. however I cant disprove/prove it.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Again, there is very little tryptophan in a banana.

There is no f*cking B12 in a banana(this is just getting annoying now. Hopefully you can see all teh holes in the email so far lol)


Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. Damn, I spoke to soon! Something that holds merrit.



Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Wow.. I would like to see such an outragous claim. I will look in the NEJOM when I have more time. See what it says.. Cant really disprove it(actually im getting lazy this is longer than I thought).

Last thing.. it does contain 4x the protein of an apple. A whole 2grams are found in a banana!!! About 3x the carbs(but most of those come from the sugar, and are high GI). And is higher in the other mentioned minerals/vitamins.

Damn I was bored, sorry! :D

Got most of my info from www.nutritiondata.com www.supplementwatch.com www.google.com

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

Regardless of what they do, I think they taste good. They are my fruit of choice for breakfast and pre-workout.

[wj19]

i've actually found that milk does help hangovers to the extent of settling my stomach and in my experience gatorade works wonders for hangovers.....but don't read too much into my opinion as i am not a doctor nor have i ever played one on tv

[lhprop1]

Tryptophan is an amino acid, not really a protein(technically its a building block).. and it only contains 8mg. Someone Jesses size would need roughly 3000mg for an effective dose.

With the help of my trusty calculator, I've discovered that it would take 375 'nanners. I'm seeing a Total cereal commercial in my cartoon bubble here.

Hey Jesse, what's your PR for banana eating?

[jeromy moore]

I'm not a nutritionist, but there are "Brain Foods" that help students perform well in class. Most studies that have been done show that a balanced breakfast helps the mental capacity of a student. Bananas are one of these foods but not the only one. An orange and a protien shake in the morning ( my own personal breakfast before school ) does me just fine.

[SqeezeMasterFlash]

If you really want to cure a hangover you can't beat chicken fried steak with sausge gravey and a bottle of pedialyte.

[SBaier]

Here are the general specs on a banana (9 in length) ... 602 mg of potassium, 140 calories, 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 2 mgs of sodium, 36 grams of carbs, and 120 I.U. of vitamin A, 13.8 mg of vitamin C, 9.2 mg of Calcium, Magnesium 44.1 mg, with trace amounts of iron and zinc. A full range of B vitamins are present with .07 mg of Thiamine, .15 mg of Riboflavin, .82 mg Niacin, .88 mg vitamin B6, and 29 mcg of Folic Acid.

Now, all the health benefits listed in Jesse's original post are probably related more to the individual effects of each nutrient or a combination rather than some unique property or synergy of the nutrients in bananas. This type of write-up is normally pretty common for marketing or governing groups. You can find these facts or pseudo facts for a vareity of foods - oranges, almonds, beef, etc. Take a look at the ads for the Florida Orange Juice Board - it shows a guy "juicing" salmon, almonds and lima beans all for the same potassium in one orange. Now, I'm not saying these foods aren't great - I (like Jesse) am a whole foods kind of person, but the facts that many of these ads use are based on the effects of a nutrient (like potassium) on a specific deficiency. An extreme example of this in the supplement industry is a story that ran a few years back about a study showing zinc increases testosterone. All the supplement companies started marketing zinc and ZMA products based off of a handful of studies that showed marginal effects. The truth that was not told in the advertising (but was clearly stated in the study) was the subjects in the study had a zinc deficiency and that the average person (with normal zinc levels) taking zinc supplements probably won't see an increase in testosterone. Again, I don't want people to think I am knocking whole foods, however, sometimes the health benefits are exaggerated - the truth is bananas are great for you! but they won't prevent illness, increase cognitive scores, and make you any stronger than any other whole food item containing the same nutritional profile.

[SBaier]

PS SqeezeMasterFlash - As for the hangover cure, I would drop the chicken fried steak and gravy and just drink the Pedialyte or other liquids as soon as you wake up. Save the chicken fried streak and gravy for when you can enjoy it, not when you are trying to hold back the chunks!

[Jay O'Neill]

Hangover? 800mg Ibuprofen and 2 glasses of water before bed!
As far as bananas go... I once saw this girl in Bankok, Thailand who... well nevermind.
I don't think she was concerned with the nutritional value. :p

[Jesse Marunde]

Jacob, thanks for the lengthy reply!

Ben, I rarely eat more than 2 bananas a day. I think my record is like 3-4 when I was running low on groceries but not on nanners... I'm afraid of what might happen if I were to eat like 20 or something.

Bananas give me heart burn. anyone else?

Jesse

[Paul Sazy]

They tear my stomach up also.

[Jacob Sauter]

Yea, they tear me up(see pretty biased post hahahaha)

[AaRoNSnider]

i've actually found that milk does help hangovers to the extent of settling my stomach and in my experience gatorade works wonders for hangovers.....but don't read too much into my opinion as i am not a doctor nor have i ever played one on tv

Me too.I usually had a glass of milk before I went to bed,then water,powerade,and fruit(mostly bananas!)the morning after.It always seemed to help.I get heart burn if I eat just a banana on an empty stomach,so I usually just blend them in with a shake.

[patrick w.]

Potassium is a mineral, that assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells.. didnt know it would help with blood pressure? Maybe Patrick will chime in. I guess it could im not really sure how the body reacts in that sense


Potassium is the chief intracellular mineral, while sodium and choline are the chief minerals found in blood blasma and extracellular fluid. Collectively these three macronutrients make up our electrolytes. Electrolyetes modulate fluid exchange within the body's variuos fluid compartments. The most important function of sodium and potassium is that they establish proper electrical gradient across the cells membranes. Electrolyes also maintain the plasma membranes permeability and regulate acid adn base qualities of the body fluids, particularly in the blood. Potassium will help the bloods ph from becoming to acidic.


Quote:
Overweight, and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report 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.

I dont know, maybe Patrick does?

the biggest problem i see with having people that are dieting eat bananas is that they are so sweet and can lead to other sugar cravings. Banana's are much higher in other sugars than other fruits. There is however a chamical in the peel of a banana that is supposed work as an appetite suppresant if you smell it. So, if you are hunrgy and dieting and craving sweets I have heard of people smelling a banana peel.


Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because 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.

the problem with the trypotophan isn't so much eating it, it is getting it to cross the blood brain barrier so that it can be effective...lol. At any moment in time there are three amino acids fighting to cross the blood brain barrier, I don't recall two of them off the top of my head (can't remeber everything) but the third is albumin (someone correct me if I am wrong on that). Now, tryptophan binds to albumin making those two to big of a compound to cross the blood brain barrier every time. So, the other two cross more often. Now, when you eat a huge carb meal, lets say pasta, what happens is that surge of insulin is going to pool those other two amino acids away from the blood brain barrier causing the albumin/tryptophan compound to sneak across in large quanties. Thus creating the seratonin which makes you all sleepy (the carb induced coma). You would have to eat a ton of tryptophan to make this work without the carbs....or think.....thanksgiving turkey with mashpotato's and pumpkin pie.


Bananas: Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


Banana's are a pretty moderate carb as far as the glycemic index is occured, coming in around 61, for what it is worth. Before a workout I see no problem with them as long as they are mixed with some protein (ofcourse). Post workout it is not my favorite as it contains fructose which preferentially repletes liver glycogen (with very little of it getting passed the liver. what you want after a workout to to replenish muscle glycogen). Also, it uses a non insulin pathway so that doesn't really help in shuttling amino's to the cells.




god, i am tired. i hope some of this made sense.

[Anthony Moses]

I like one of them pre-workout, usually on whole wheat bread with some peanut butter and a water/gatorade mix.......they did start giving me heartburn, so I switched to a Big 100 bar and water pre-workout.

[Ryan Rhodes]

The reason bananas help with hangovers and reducing "drunkeness" is because of their high amounts of potassium. It's speeds up the oxydation of blood.