by Sharona B

Created on: May 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 12, 2010

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits, loved by children and adults alike. They have been around for thousands of years, although the very first bananas contained many seeds and little edible pulp.

Originating in Southeast Asia, bananas were shipped further West by traders. It wasn't until the 16th century that Spanish missionaries transported them to the West Indies and from there to Central and South America.

Bananas take less than 18 months to grow from small shoots to the point where they can be harvested. A cluster of bananas is called a "hand" and consists of 10 to 20 bananas, which are known as "fingers" The name "banana" derives from the Arabic word for "finger", which is "banan."

Bananas are not only tasty, they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, offering high levels of vitamin A, the full range of B vitamins as well as some vitamin C. In addition, the humble banana also contains thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid. Minerals including calcium, magnesium and traces of iron and zinc are also present in bananas.

Having such a wide range of nutrients, it is not surprising that the banana is known to have many health benefits. Bananas are cited as being beneficial for those with anemia, for people who are giving up smoking, suffering from morning sickness, or just plain hungover. But our unassuming banana does not only benefit minor conditions.

Feeling stressed? Got high blood pressure? The high levels of potassium combined with low salt content are a great remedy for these conditions. When stressed, the body's metabolic rate rises and the potassium level falls and eating a banana can help re-balance the body and normalize the heartbeat. In addition, bananas also have a natural antacid effect that soothes the symptoms of heartburn.

High levels of stress are documented as a major contributory factor to many serious illnesses. Research appearing in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that, within a study of 5,600 people, those with the lowest amount of potassium in their diet were one-and-a-half times more likely to have a stroke than those with the highest amount of potassium in their diet. So don't reach for the cigarettes, alcohol or stress ball to calm yourself down, peel a banana instead!

The health benefits of the banana aren't just limited to the edible part of the fruit. If you get bitten by a mosquito, before reaching for traditional creams, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it reduces the swelling and irritation. So, the banana is one of nature's true healers both inside and out.

Impressed so far? Well, the banana has yet another ace up its sleeve in accordance with superstition, a diet of bananas prior to trying for a baby has been shown to influence the gender of children conceived. In a recent study by Oxford and Exeter Universities in the UK, 740 women on a higher calorie diet showed a higher probability (56%) of a male birth. "We were able to confirm the old wives' tale that eating bananas and so having a high potassium intake was associated with having a boy," said research leader Fiona Mathews, from Exeter University.

So, next time you reach for a banana you can do so with the knowledge that, as well as being a tasty snack, nature's "fast food" is jam-packed wtih goodness and provides many health benefits.

Learn more about this author, Sharona B.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.