With 2013 US Open going on, it’s not a bad time for a tennis trivia: Federer nibbles at it when sitting out on a break and feeling tired. Nadal does the same, and so does Djokovic. What is it?
The title may’ve given away the answer. (Otherwise, you probably would be raking your brains for a little longer—or who knows, maybe tune in to the next match.)
Yes, it is a BANANA.
And it’s just not tennis players who do this; other athletes, too, grab a banana or two when their tank is empty. Ever wondered why?
The answer is simple: bananas provide instant energy better than most other foods. Not only this, they also keep cramps away and reduce muscle fatigue. Useful as bananas are for sportspersons, they are also extremely beneficial to people like you and me.
What health benefits do bananas provide? Why should we care to include them in our daily diet?
We will look at these answers and more. But first, let us check out some 5 weird facts about this fruit.
Did you know…?
The banana tree is not actually a tree. Yes, that’s right. It looks and feels like a tree, but actually it is the world’s largest herb.
Rubbing a banana peel over your skin after an insect bite reduces irritation, swelling, and itching. Love bites it can’t help with. But insect bites, sure, why not? Just rub the banana peel over the affected area, and the redness and itching will reduce within minutes.
Bananas are an awesome remedy for hangover. Finally, you know what to do when you have one drink too many. Eat one before sleeping and one immediately after waking up.
The Cavendish variety, the banana of choice of America and whole of Europe, may not be present 10 years down the line. What? How’s this possible? Have we all started drinking so much that this sure-shot cure for hangover will soon be no more? Wait… Wait… don’t get so anxious so soon. Extinction of the Cavendish variety is a possibility, not a sure thing. And if it happens, I’m sure, it won’t be because our increased love for the bottle, but some plant disease.
All modern bananas are human invention. Well done, ancestors! They, like us, didn’t have much appetite for banana seeds. So what did they do? Cultivated hybrid varieties. The modern banana has very small seeds in the middle, which become evident only when the fruit goes bad.
Four reasons why we must eat bananas
Fun facts done with now let’s get down to some serious business. Rich in many essential nutrients, banana is one fruit which every one of us must eat daily.
Bananas are good for the heart. Bananas are rich in potassium—the reason why athletes eat them, remember?— but did you know that potassium is great for your heart and blood pressure. Besides potassium, this fruit is a good source of magnesium, which also improves heart health and blood circulation. What’s more, bananas are rich in
Vitamin B6, which improves brain and nerve function—no wonder, then, chimpanzees, which are smarter than most animals, love bananas so much. So, if not for your heart, eat a banana daily for better brain health and function.
Bananas aids digestion. Soluble fibre pectin, present in abundance in a banana, is known to aid digestion and provide relief from constipation. In addition, it is a potent natural antacid. So, the next time heartburn comes calling, reach out for a banana before popping an antacid tablet, because, unlike a tablet, a banana has no adverse effects on the body, at least not when you consume it in recommended amounts.
Bananas are good for better bones. Good for heart, blood flow, brain health, nerve function, digestion, and now bones. Is there anything that this wonder fruit can’t do? Bananas contain compounds that improve our bodies’ ability to absorb nutrients, including calcium, which is so essential for bone health.
Bananas make for a great snack. They are a great snack option as they are low in calories and fat. One banana does not deliver more than 100 calories, but, thanks to its high fibre content, satiates you well. Put two and two together and what do you get? It’s great for someone who wants to eat less to lose weight, but obviously.
With so many health benefits on offer, it’s time we start going bananas over banana and include them in our diet. Don’t you think so?
The title may’ve given away the answer. (Otherwise, you probably would be raking your brains for a little longer—or who knows, maybe tune in to the next match.)
Yes, it is a BANANA.
And it’s just not tennis players who do this; other athletes, too, grab a banana or two when their tank is empty. Ever wondered why?
The answer is simple: bananas provide instant energy better than most other foods. Not only this, they also keep cramps away and reduce muscle fatigue. Useful as bananas are for sportspersons, they are also extremely beneficial to people like you and me.
What health benefits do bananas provide? Why should we care to include them in our daily diet?
We will look at these answers and more. But first, let us check out some 5 weird facts about this fruit.
Did you know…?
The banana tree is not actually a tree. Yes, that’s right. It looks and feels like a tree, but actually it is the world’s largest herb.
Rubbing a banana peel over your skin after an insect bite reduces irritation, swelling, and itching. Love bites it can’t help with. But insect bites, sure, why not? Just rub the banana peel over the affected area, and the redness and itching will reduce within minutes.
Bananas are an awesome remedy for hangover. Finally, you know what to do when you have one drink too many. Eat one before sleeping and one immediately after waking up.
The Cavendish variety, the banana of choice of America and whole of Europe, may not be present 10 years down the line. What? How’s this possible? Have we all started drinking so much that this sure-shot cure for hangover will soon be no more? Wait… Wait… don’t get so anxious so soon. Extinction of the Cavendish variety is a possibility, not a sure thing. And if it happens, I’m sure, it won’t be because our increased love for the bottle, but some plant disease.
All modern bananas are human invention. Well done, ancestors! They, like us, didn’t have much appetite for banana seeds. So what did they do? Cultivated hybrid varieties. The modern banana has very small seeds in the middle, which become evident only when the fruit goes bad.
Four reasons why we must eat bananas
Fun facts done with now let’s get down to some serious business. Rich in many essential nutrients, banana is one fruit which every one of us must eat daily.
Bananas are good for the heart. Bananas are rich in potassium—the reason why athletes eat them, remember?— but did you know that potassium is great for your heart and blood pressure. Besides potassium, this fruit is a good source of magnesium, which also improves heart health and blood circulation. What’s more, bananas are rich in
Vitamin B6, which improves brain and nerve function—no wonder, then, chimpanzees, which are smarter than most animals, love bananas so much. So, if not for your heart, eat a banana daily for better brain health and function.
Bananas aids digestion. Soluble fibre pectin, present in abundance in a banana, is known to aid digestion and provide relief from constipation. In addition, it is a potent natural antacid. So, the next time heartburn comes calling, reach out for a banana before popping an antacid tablet, because, unlike a tablet, a banana has no adverse effects on the body, at least not when you consume it in recommended amounts.
Bananas are good for better bones. Good for heart, blood flow, brain health, nerve function, digestion, and now bones. Is there anything that this wonder fruit can’t do? Bananas contain compounds that improve our bodies’ ability to absorb nutrients, including calcium, which is so essential for bone health.
Bananas make for a great snack. They are a great snack option as they are low in calories and fat. One banana does not deliver more than 100 calories, but, thanks to its high fibre content, satiates you well. Put two and two together and what do you get? It’s great for someone who wants to eat less to lose weight, but obviously.
With so many health benefits on offer, it’s time we start going bananas over banana and include them in our diet. Don’t you think so?