Bananas are America's #1 fruit. Bananas are a good
source of vitamin C , potassium , and dietary fiber. Bananas have no fat,
cholesterol or sodium. Bananas are great for athletic and fitness activity
because they replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids
burned during exercise. The good source of potassium found in bananas is
helpful for your body to maintain the fluid balance in blood and tissue
cells. Potassium is also an essential mineral for protein synthesis
and the building of muscle because it stimulates nerve impulses for muscle
contraction. Research suggests that a diet high in potassium may reduce the
risk of hypertension and stroke. Because bananas are sodium-free and very
rich in potassium, they can be eaten as part of a diet to reduce the risk of
high blood pressure. Bananas contain more digestible carbohydrates than any
other fruit. The advantage is that the body burns off calories from
carbohydrates more quickly and easily than calories from protein or fat.
Here are some banana facts:
- The banana tree is not actually a tree; it is a large herb.
- Bananas are not grown commercially in the continental U.S.
- Bananas are grown in Latin and South America from countries like
Costa Rica, Ecuador, Columbia, Honduras, Panama and Guatemala.
- Bananas are available all year-round. They are harvested every day
of the year.
- Until the early 1800's, Hawaiian women were not allowed to eat most
banana varieties. The penalty for breaking the law was death.
So be sure to eat a banana every day, and try to start your children at
the earliest possible age to eat "A Banana a Day".
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