bananas, the happy fruit!

Anyone who's known me for some time knows that I have somewhat of an obsession with the yellow fruit. My reasons? I'm not really sure, but these might be some of them...

-First of all, they are yellow. Who doesn't become instantly happy when they see things yellow?
-Second, they're just fun to eat. And when the dirty boys in 6th grade were going around asking people "which condiments do you enjoy on your weiner?" I was asking "How many times do you peel your banana?" I thought this was equally hilarious. But the person usually said "um... four?" and waited for the punch line as I walked away giggling to myself.
-Third, they are naturally shaped like a smile! (sadly, 6th grade health teachers have tainted our view of the banana shape with their instructional "demonstrations")
-And fourth: Everytime I eat a banana I get to wear that sticker for the rest of the day enjoying the respect others try to gain by wearing "I gave blood today" stickers... but the banana stickers are from such foreign places as Guatemala and Ecuador, so they're a bit cooler.

My friend Becky sent some of these facts to me and since I don't have any time to write lately, I thought I might as well share this instead... (these are just some of them)

Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

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 our daily diet. 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 tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brainpower. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

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

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (this is me): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"