Banana

The banana and its benefits for our organism

      

       

The banana comes from Asia, but its cultivation has spread to many regions of the planet, such as Central America, South America, and Africa. At the end of 2013, "Plátano de Canarias" received the seal of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) becoming the only banana in the world that has this recognition. This distinction guarantees uniqueness and origin, recognizing the Canarian banana as a unique and quality product.

The banana tree is a 'perennial' herbaceous plant, since after the fruiting its aerial parts die, but they are replaced by new shoots that grow from their base.

The banana contains tryptophan, a type of amino acid that helps our body to make its own proteins. It also helps the brain secretes serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters in the nervous system and a precursor to the hormone melatonin, vital to the sleep wake cycle.

Due to its richness in potassium, it helps to balance the water in the body by counteracting sodium and favoring the elimination of liquids, so, contrary to popular opinion, a fruit very suitable for those who want to lose weight by favoring slimming regimens.

It is one of the most consumed fruits in the whole world, given its versatility and adaptation for different preparations.

For the folic acid content, the banana is recommended during pregnancy.

Illustration: Abdecoral - Banana

Phytosterols: They are substances that have a structure similar to cholesterol, so they are recognized under the name of plant sterols.

Because of their structural similarity to cholesterol, they bind to it, preventing it from being absorbed by the intestinal cells and preventing fats from reaching the liver for the formation of cholesterol.

They are not synthesized by the body and are poorly absorbed by the intestine.

Arginine:  It is a basic amino acid involved in many activities of the endocrine glands. It intervenes in the conservation of the balance of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It also has a great importance in the production of growth hormone, directly involved in the growth of tissues and muscles and in the maintenance and repair of the immune system and nervous system. Arginine is involved in the synthesis of creatine, polyamides and RNA.

Leucine: It is an essential amino acid and can not be produced by the body, therefore it has to be obtained through food or dietary supplements.

It is effective in maintaining blood sugar levels and also increases the production of growth hormone. Leucine combines with isoleucine and valine to protect and fuel the muscles, and also helps increase resistance levels and increase energy.