FOODIE/ HEALTH SPECIAL........................ THE HERO OF ALL FRUITS:BANANA

THE HERO OF ALL FRUITS

The poor man's fruit is rich in benefits

THE RIGHT START Have a banana for breakfast for instant energy and nutrients

Easily available, pocket-friendly and rich in health benefits - bananas sure seem like the heroes of the fruit family. Here are some ways in which they help:

CONTROL ACIDITY, FAST!

What’s your favourite antacid? An over-the-counter preparation? Cold milk? Dahi? The next time you get an acid attack, have a banana. It works fast because it’s a cool fruit and it coats the lining of the stomach, so the acid cannot attack.

HEAL ULCERS

Ulcers caused by a combination of stress and unhealthy food habits are well managed by the cooling and coating effects of bananas.

GREAT FOR ATHLETES

Bananas provide carbohydrates in a digestible form that does not make blood sugar spike. This makes it the pre-workout food of choice for athletes. Bananas contain magnesium, calcium and potassium: important minerals for active people.

PROTECT YOUR HEART

The potassium in bananas is a heart- and blood vessel-friendly mineral because it helps regulate blood pressure. Bananas are also a good source of soluble fibre that helps cleanse the body of extra cholesterol and acidic elements. This keeps the blood healthy and helps prevent the development of plaque in the heart.

GOOD FOR THE NERVES

Bananas are a source of the vitamin-B group, essential for good nerve health. This also benefits people with a vata imbalance and sleep problems.

HELP MANAGE PILES

The components of bananas (and aloe vera juice) work like a laxative and decrease the formation of piles over a period of time.

MAKE FOR A QUICK BREAKFAST

Children and people on the run should have a banana shake or banana smoothie or banana with cereal, because it provides almost all the essential elements required for the morning, including complex carbohydrates, natural proteins and fats and essential vitamins.

GET GORGEOUS

Many skin packs and hair packs include bananas because they are a good moisturiser and a sound base for other ingredients. They are good for sensitive skin and hair nourishment.

SHIKHA SHARMA HTBR15MAR15