Bananas are one of the common fruits in daily life, known for their high nutritional value. Many people enjoy eating bananas, and they are even hailed as the "happy fruit." But can eating bananas really make people feel happy? What are the benefits of eating bananas regularly?
When people feel anxious, eating some bananas can indeed help alleviate mood and bring a sense of joy. Professor Hong Jun, Chief Physician of the Psychology Department at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, mentioned in a previous interview with Family Doctor Online that bananas, cherries, and grapefruits are known as "happy fruits," with bananas having the most noticeable effect. This is because bananas contain a type of amino acid in their protein that helps the brain produce serotonin. When people feel disappointed, depressed, or in pain, their brains often lack this serotonin. Eating bananas can promote the production of this amino acid, thereby reducing anxiety, increasing happiness, and improving mood. Additionally, components like pantothenic acid in bananas act as the body’s "happy hormones," relieving psychological stress, reducing tension, enhancing focus, and dispelling depression, making people feel happier. Besides boosting happiness, eating bananas regularly offers many other benefits.
1. Maintaining Stable Blood Pressure and Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
Bananas are rich in potassium. When the body lacks potassium, it can lead to arrhythmia, tachycardia, and low blood pressure. One banana contains 400 milligrams of potassium, which helps maintain the coordination of normal myocardial contractions, keeps nerve and muscle excitability steady, and ensures the harmonious function of myocardial contraction and relaxation. Therefore, eating 3 to 5 bananas daily is beneficial for patients with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation
Bananas are rich in dietary fiber, which absorbs water in the stomach to enhance satiety and increases stool volume in the intestines, promoting bowel movements. Thus, bananas can help relieve constipation for those who suffer from it long-term. However, only fully ripe bananas are effective for constipation; eating unripe bananas may worsen it. Therefore, it’s important to ensure bananas are ripe when using them to treat constipation.
3. Preventing Cancer
Eating bananas can reduce the risk of certain diseases. Bananas contain a protein that stimulates the differentiation of T cells in the immune system, thereby enhancing the body’s anti-cancer immunity. This protein is directly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, unlike other proteins that are broken down, making it more effective in fighting cancer.
4. Preventing Fatigue and Promoting Longevity
Bananas contain various nutrients, are low in sodium, and are cholesterol-free. They provide essential nutrients to the body without causing weight gain. Therefore, eating bananas regularly is beneficial for the brain, helps prevent neural fatigue, and is especially suitable for elderly individuals.
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