Happy Monday! We hope your day has been going great. This week for our miracle Monday fruit, we’re talking about bananas! Take a look at the article below, reposted from DailyHealthPost. To see the article below it its original format, click here.

Bananas, the little fruit that is neatly packed in a bright yellow jacket, can offer you more than just a natural fruit sugar rush for increased energy.

In fact there are many health benefits that can be obtained by eating bananas, just read on to find out more.

1. Rich in Potassium

If you asked most people why eating bananas is good for them, the most common reply would be that they are rich in potassium.

Whilst this is true, it is also important to understand exactly why we need potassium in the first place.

Potassium is a vital nutrient because it helps to regulate your blood pressure, which is what helps to keep your heart functioning correctly.

Our bones also need this potassium as it helps to reduce calcium excretion, which is how bananas help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and help to keep bones strong the older we get.

2. High in Fiber

Fiber is a natural digestive aid that helps to keep your digestive tract in tip top shape and encouraging healthy, regular bowel movements. And as nature would have it, bananas are a rich in  fiber. In addition, the fiber in bananas can also help relieve the symptoms of heartburn.

3. Rich in Many Other Nutrients

Bananas are rich in the healthy blood producing vitamin, Vitamin B6. They also contain good levels of Vitamin C, magnesium and manganese.

Bananas also contain a compound called cytolcin which is believed to increase white blood cells that are crucial for having a strong immune system.

4. Natural Ulcer Remedy

Bananas may be able to help protect you against stomach ulcers, or help to treat existing ones. This is due to certain compounds in bananas creating a thick protective barrier in the stomach that can help defend against the damaging effects of excess hydrochloric acid.

On top of this, bananas also contain protease inhibitors that can help to eliminate a specific bacteria in the stomach that is found to cause ulcers to develop in the first place.

5. Banana Skin for Treating Problem Skin & Hair

Banana skin can be used to treat devastating skin problems like psoriasis and acne. If you blend the skin up with some other natural ingredients many people speak of this being a great natural hair masque that can help put back some much needed moisture giving you fresh, healthy looking locks again.

6. Energy Boost

Bananas contain natural compounds that help to boost the body with natural energy that is the preferred steady kind, so it is kinder to blood sugar levels.

When this kind of energy is given it can help to motivate you and your body to lose weight. Double bonus really?

7. Reduce Stress Levels

Bananas are a great source of tryptophan which is a chemical that when released into the blood stream, converts into the feel good hormone, serotonin. When we have good serotonin levels our overall mood and stress levels are much better.