What you don't know about bananas

MANILA, Philippines – Banana is exceptionally healthful, containing many nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, zinc, iron and manganese. It is one of the most accessible, cheap and healthful food. For most people, it is common knowledge that banana enhances digestive ability and strengthens the bones, but there is no limiting the power of this fruit. Aside from what most people know, here are other amazing benefits of banana:

Serves as the nature’s botox
Dodge the expensive botox by applying mashed bananas on your face and neck. A banana is rich in Vitamin C and B6, which keeps the elasticity of the skin. It also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and aging caused by oxygen free radicals. Lastly, banana is 75 percent water, keeping your skin hydrated, moisturized and smoother. Just mash up a ripe banana and gently apply it on your skin. Let it set for 10-20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

Moisturizes feet
The moisturizing property of bananas can be used to get rid of cracked heels. All you need to do is mash the pulp of two ripe bananas and apply this pulp on clean, dry feet. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse the feet clean. The banana pulp will penetrate deep into dry, cracked skin to create soft and supple feet.

Gets rid of eyebags
Got that annoying bag underneath your eyes? Make that puffy eyebags vanish by applying mashed bananas for 15-20 minutes and then rinsing with cool water afterwards. The potassium rich banana draws out excess fluid from under your skin and reduces the swelling immediately.

You may also use the banana peel as an alternative for the cucumber in your eyes during your beauty rest ritual.

Provides instant energy
Ever wonder why sportsmen consume banana every break? The natural sugars of the banana are instantly converted into energy making it an instant energy provider throughout the day. This is probably the most popular health benefit of this fruit.

Powers up brain cells
B vitamins in bananas boost nerve function. Potassium, on the other hand, improves mental and learning abilities. If you want to ace your exams, might as well feast on this yellow fruit.

Combats ulcer and other stomach aches
The substances known as protease inhibitors in bananas help get rid of bacteria in the stomach that produces stomach ulcers, thus protecting against damage of the stomach.

Helps quit smoking
Vitamin B6  and B12, along with magnesium and potassium in bananas, help smokers get through the withdrawal phase when they quit smoking. If you are recovering from nicotine addiction, a generous amount of banana in your diet might be of great help.

Cures hangover
Banana provides the electrolytes you lost during the binge drinking you had the night before. It is also a good source of potassium.

Prevents insomnia
Having a hard time getting a good night’s rest? You might want to eat a banana before going to bed. Bananas are rich in amino acids known as tryptophan. This substance triggers production of the sleep hormone called melatonin, which stimulates sleep.

Relieves mosquito bites
Banana also has an anti-inflammatory power. Itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites can be reduced by rubbing the inside of a banana on it.

Reduces PMS symptoms
Last but not the least, the dreaded post-menstrual syndrome symptoms can be alleviated by bananas. Vitamin B6, serotonin, tryptophan, dopamine, etc., in bananas help combat erratic mood swings and even depression.