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| fluid levels in the body and helps get rid of excess sodium, which can cause blood pressure to rise and in turn lead to heart attack and stroke. |
| F.Y.I. |
| One banana contains over a quarter of the RDA of vitamin B 6, a nutrient that's helpful in preventing the depression and irritability that can accompany PMS. |
| Because bananas are high in carbohydrates, eating one or two ripe bananas can help raise levels of mood-lifting serotonin in the brain. |
| Stomach Protection |
| For many decades, scientists recognized that bananas have an antacid effect on the stomach but had no clear idea why. Recent studies have found that substances in bananas help strengthen cells in the stomach lining, creating a stronger barrier against corrosive digestive acids. Bananas also appear to stimulate the production of protective mucus and help kill off harmful bacteria. Thanks to all this protective power, bananas may be an effective tool for preventing and treating not only simple acid indigestion but also ulcers. |
| Digestive Regulation |
| Bananas are a good source of the soluble fiber pectin, which helps slow digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. That and their complex carbohydrates make them an excellent source of steady-burning energy. Pectin also helps absorb excess fluids in the digestive tract, helping to prevent diarrhea; meanwhile, bananas' starch helps ease constipation. |
| Tips: |
| If your bananas tend to get overripe before you have a chance to eat them, try refrigerating them as soon as they become ripe. The skin will turn dark, but the inside will remain at peak ripeness for several days. |
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