So rather than an apple a day... If you really need to boost up your depleted energy levels, nothing beats a banana. Made up of three natural sugars - glucose, fructose and sucrose - mixed with fibre, results in producing a long lasting energy surge. Studies show that only two bananas can give you the necessary energy for an intense 90 minute workout. It isn't a great surprise then that the world's top athletes consider the banana as being the number one fruit.



But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to your daily diet.

Anaemia: abundant in iron, bananas lead to the increase of haemoglobin in the blood and which assists in cases of anaemia.

Blood Pressure: What makes this tropical fruit so special is it's high content in potassium and it's low content in salt, which helps in reducing high blood pressure. It's effectiveness is so outstanding that the US Food and Drug Administration lets the banana industry use this claim officially...that it actually does reduce the risk of both blood pressure and strokes.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain trypotophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Hangovers: One of the most proven ways of getting rid of a hangover is by taking a banana milkshake mixed with honey. The banana calms the stomach and rebuilds our depleted blood sugar levels with the help of the added honey. If you are prone to heart-burn, try eating a banana for great relief as it also has a natural antacid effect in the body.

Nerves: Bananas are loaded in Vitamin B, helping to calm the nervous system.

PMS: Eat a banana instead of taking a pill. The B6 vitamin content will help to regulate the levels of blood glucose, which can affect your mood.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking, as the high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium plays a very important roll in normalizing the heartbeat, controlling the body's water-balance and sending oxygen to the brain. Stress causes our potassium levels to fall as the metabolic rate begins to rise. So once again it's the banana that will help to rebalance those potassium levels. Even 'The New England Journal of Medicine' have come out with the confirmation that eating bananas as part of our regular diet can reduce risk of death by strokes by as much as 40 %!

So it has been made quite clear that the banana is a natural remedy for a large number of health problems. Compared to an apple, it contains 4 times as much protein, 5 times the iron and vitamin A, 3 times the phosphorus and twice as much in other vitamins and minerals. It also has a high potassium content and is without a doubt one of the best value foods on the market. So don't forget that famous phrase (now updated) ..."A Banana a day keeps the doctor at bay!"