Bananas: food or medicine?

Guests invited to testify in Senate hearings are not always pampered with kindness. One such roughed-up individual was National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales who, sweating under intense grilling pulled out a banana from his clutch bag and started to eat and talk. It was not an act of discourtesy – he was taking his medicine to calm his nerves and lower his blood pressure.

Bananas are unique fruit with unique properties. It has a rare combination of energy value, tissue-building elements, vitamins and minerals, fiber and other essential nutrients. Its convenient natural packing is compact, healthy, easy to carry and use.

Some interesting facts about bananas:

• They are the only fruit that actually develop better color, texture, aroma, and sweetness when ripened after harvest. It’s the tiny seeds within the fruit that release a ripening hormone, a mixture of ethylene gas and carbon dioxide.
• Bananas are the most potassium-rich food that is available worldwide and year-round.
• Bananas make baby boys! Recently researchers confirmed the old wives’ tale that eating bananas is associated with having a boy.

·         A banana is undoubtedly a fruit containing the seeds of the plant though since commercially grown banana plants are sterile, the seeds are reduced to little specks. However, the banana plant, though it is called a 'banana-tree' in popular usage, is technically regarded as a herbaceous plant (or 'herb'), not a tree, because the stem does not contain true woody tissue.

• There are more than 300 varieties of bananas bred for cultivation
• The annual global banana output is 86 million tons
• Bananas are the fourth most important staple food in the developing world
• Bananas originated in Malaysia

Reduced risk of high blood pressure

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. A medium-sized banana provides 350 mg of potassium. The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies. The US Food and Drug Administration has allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. According to the FDA, “Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.” Plus, potassium helps your body maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balances in the cells.

Scientists report that natural compounds in bananas act in a manner similar to anti-hypertensive drugs. The team studied six popular banana varieties and found that all had ACE-inhibiting properties, though the ripened bananas had a stronger action than unripe ones. Researchers have reported that blood pressure fell by 10% in people who ate two bananas daily for a week.

Reduced risk of stroke

Scientists suggest that people with a low amount of potassium in their diet may have an increased risk of stroke. A study of 5,600 people aged over 65 found that those with the lowest intake of the potassium were 50% more likely to suffer a stroke. High-potassium foods, like bananas, may lower the risk of stroke, but researchers say that more studies are needed to confirm whether increasing potassium in the diet can prevent strokes.

Restore normal bowel activity

Because the banana is rich in nondigestible fibers (including cellulose, hemicellulose, and alpha-glucans) it can help restore normal bowel activity and help with both constipation and diarrhea. Bananas normalize the colon’s function to absorb large amounts of water for regular bowel movements. Their usefulness is due to their richness in pectin, which is water-absorbent and this gives them a bulk producing ability.

Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus compounds that protect us against unfriendly microorganisms. When fructooligosaccharides are fermented by these friendly bacteria, not only do numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, but so does the body’s ability to absorb calcium. For this reason, ingesting antibiotics harm these beneficial bacteria.

Research published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences underscores just how much bananas can improve nutrient absorption. In this study, 57 babies (5-12 months) with persistent diarrhea of at least 14 days duration were given a week’s treatment with a rice-based diet containing either green banana, apple pectin or the rice diet alone. Treatment with both green banana and apple pectin resulted in a 50% reduction in stool weights, indicating that the babies were absorbing significantly more nutrients.

Protection from ulcers & Heartburn remedy

Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. A flavonoid in the banana, leucocyanidin, has been found to significantly increase the thickness of the mucous membrane layer of the stomach. Since bananas help to neutralize acidity, they are also a great way to get rid of heartburn. In an animal study, a simple mixture of banana and milk significantly suppressed acid secretion.

Protection against neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease)

Researchers at Cornell University investigated the effects of apple, banana, and orange extracts on neuron cells and found that the phenolic phytochemicals of the fruits prevented neurotoxicity on the cells. Among the three fruits, apples contained the highest content of protective antioxidants, followed by bananas then oranges. These results suggest that fresh apples, banana, and orange in our daily diet along with other fruits may protect neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity and may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Perfect Baby food

Bananas are the best solid food to introduce to infants. A mashed ripe banana is an extremely simple and healthy baby food. Potassium, Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Iron, Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, Niacin, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid. Furthermore, bananas are very easy to digest and rarely cause allergic reactions. Bananas are part of the BRAT diet, a diet many physicians recommend for children recovering from gastrointestinal problems, particularly diarrhea. Recent study found evidence that a higher consumption of bananas and apple juice from concentrate may protect against wheezing in children.

Cholesterol-lowering effect

Animal studies have shown that banana has the potential to lower cholesterol. It was suggested that the dietary fibre component in banana pulp was responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effect. The amount of dietary fibre in banana is relatively constant during banana ripening.

Kidney health

Bananas promote an overall improvement of the functional efficiency of kidneys. Benefits to the kidneys are again due to the high potassium content of bananas. A normal intake of potassium suppresses calcium excretion in the urine and minimizes the risk of kidney stones.

The results of the Swedish population based prospective study (13.4 years) of 61,000 women aged 40-76, show that women eating more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables per month (which translates into 2.5 per day) cut their risk of kidney cancer 40%. Among the fruits, bananas were especially protective. Women eating bananas four to six times a week halved their risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not eat this fruit.

Hang-over

One of the fastest ways to cure hang-over is to make a dairy banana cocktail with milk and honey. Bananas are known to calm an upset stomach and help rehydrate your body. Bananas are rich in the important electrolytes, magnesium and potassium, which are severely depleted during heavy drinking. Banana with the honey builds up the depleted blood sugar levels, providing some energy.

Energy booster

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Potassium is also essential for helping muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces cramping up. 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.

Immunity booster

Bananas contain 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6, necessary for producing antibodies and red blood cells as well as aiding in the metabolism of fat. In addition, vitamin B6 serves as an immunity booster. So, this fruit strengthens your armor against infectious diseases. With each average-sized banana, you ingest about 15 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, one of the strongest antioxidants.

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.

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.

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.

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

Smoking & Tobacco Use:  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.

Bananas are famous for containing potassium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate blood chemistry (particularly Ph) and improves carbohydrate metabolism by helping the muscles act efficiently. Without potassium (and sodium) your muscles stop firing correctly. Severe loss of sodium can produce really nasty complications all the way up to shock and death. Potassium also prevents the blood’s Ph from becoming too acidic. Bananas are also rich in vitamin B6, which helps metabolize more than 60 proteins and assists in red blood cell production that transports oxygen to muscles and folate in bananas helps concentration and memory.
Two bananas a day (or one with every large meal) offers optimal GI effect (a slippery, soft stool with no mess). What you spend on bananas you will save on toilet paper.
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 carbohydrate, 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!"

PS:   Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! Want a quick shine on your shoes? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit.

Morning Banana Diet

A new diet born on the Internet in Japan

Japanese who are trying to lose weight gather together on internet forums and social networking sites to pick up diet tips and give each other support. Recently, in one of the most popular social networking sites in Japan, the diet musings of a member and contributions of others in the community produced a new and simple diet program that jumped into the mainstream Japanese media and resulted in three books and many magazine articles. This diet was dubbed the Banana Diet.
The diet is relatively simple. For breakfast, eat a raw banana (or bananas) and sip lukewarm water. Eat a normal lunch and dinner while drinking lukewarm water. It's OK to have a sweet midafternoon snack, but otherwise avoid dessert as well as dairy and alcohol. Eat dinner by 8 p.m., go to bed before midnight and exercise if you feel like it. Theories about bananas and weight loss mention the fruit's enzymes and fiber, which may speed digestion.
But nutrition experts are dismissing it as a "fad diet," arguing that if people have lost weight in the short term, it's probably because following the diet means consuming fewer calories.
Banana Market


The Japanese Market
Japan is the biggest market for banana in Asia with total import of 885,140 metric tons valued at US$435.7 million in 1997.  The Philippines is the major supplier capturing 73.8% of the Japanese market for bananas.  The Latin American country of Ecuador supplied 186,141 tons for a share of 21%. 
                           


            The Philippine Banana Industry

The Philippines produced 3.56 million tons of bananas in 1998, almost half in Southern Mindanao. Commercial plantings are located in Mindanao where there are about 28,000 hectares of Cavendish bananas being produced for export.  While the national average yield is only 10 tons per hectare, the average for Southern Mindanao is almost four times as much.

While in no danger of outright extinction, the most common edible banana cultivar 'Cavendish' (extremely popular in Europe and the Americas) could become unviable for large-scale cultivation in the next 10-20 years. Its predecessor 'Gros Michel' has already suffered this fate. Like almost all bananas, it lacks genetic diversity, which makes it vulnerable to diseases, which threaten both commercial cultivation and the small-scale subsistence farming.

The Philippines exported a total volume of 1.15 million tons of fresh bananas of the cavendish banana type, the variety required by the export market.  Another relevant export product processed from banana is the banana chips/crackers. Other export products processed from banana are banana sauce (catsup) and banana flour, meal and powder. 

      Different ways to eat your Banana:

• Breakfast:
   Add sliced bananas to cold cereal; make banana pancakes or banana muffins; make a banana and yogurt shake; add bananas to a bowl of mixed fruit; mix with low fat yogurt.
• Lunch:
   Eat a banana with your lunch; add sliced bananas to a fruit salad; make a banana and peanut butter sandwich.
• Snack:
   Eat a banana! Make a smoothie with a banana and an energy supplement.

·         Dessert:
 Top low fat yogurt or low fat ice cream with sliced bananas; make a low fat banana milk shake.

Senate hearing: If invited to the Senate, don’t forget to bring a hand of bananas.