My favorite fruit is bananas – especially the “latundan” and the “saba” kinds. I have been eating for more than thirteen (13) years now, six (6) to eight (8) “latundan” especially those with the dark spots and patches. When I was the Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from 1998 to 2005, the Regional and Provincial Directors used to joke me when I go to their respective areas for lectures, trade conventions, trade fairs, or visitations of small enterprises, “Ma’am Usec, we sent some sweet “latundan” in your room to energize you.”

I have written in this column the incredible nutritional and medicinal health benefits of many fresh fruits like papaya and guyabano (In English guyabano is known as soursop and the tree is known as ‘graviola’ tree) – so I decided to write about bananas, my favorite fruit. I surfed the Internet and one sub-title about bananas caught my attention. The sub-title states: “Bananas aren’t just for monkeys,” which is the title of my article now.

Let me share with you an encouraging report in the Internet about bananas, as follows:

“Did you know? According to the latest Japanese Scientific Research, a full ripe banana with dark patches on the yellow skin produces a substance called TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) which has the ability to combat abnormal cells. The more darker patches it has, the higher its immunity enhancement quality. Hence, the riper the banana, the better the anti-cancer quality.

“A yellow skin banana with darker spots on it is 8 times more effective in enhancing the property of white blood cells than a green skin versions.

“Eating just one (1) banana a day increases immunity.”

One may ask: Why does the ripe bananas have more nutrient content than the green unripe ones? Simply, because the level of antioxidants increases as the banana ripens and turns yellow. A word of caution though. Based on Internet report: “These antioxidants in ripe bananas protect your body against cancer and heart diseases. But while overripe bananas certainly have nutritional value, they also lose some benefits. In full ripe bananas with dark spots on skin, the starch content changes to simple sugars that are easier to digest and may raise your blood glucose levels quickly, but it could be harmful for diabetic people. Also, the micronutrients like vitamins and minerals decrease as the bananas ripen.”

Let me share with you other information taken from the Internet about bananas that is available year-round in our country – to encourage us to eat more fresh bananas:-

• Do you know that bananas are incredible and instant energy booster? As soon as one eats banana, energy is available. And do you know that research shows that two (2) bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout? Not many know that banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes;

• Do you know that bananas are very rich in B vitamins and can stabilize our mood and calms our nervous system? A recent survey among people suffering from depression shows that many people suffering from depression felt much better after eating bananas. Because of the tryptophan content of bananas. Tryptophan is a kind of protein in the body that is converted into serotonin which in turn relaxes us and makes us feel happier;

• Do you know that the US Food and Drug Administration has authorized banana industry to announce an official claim that the bananas reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke;

• Do you know that bananas which contain a lot of potassium can boost our brain power. Makes us more alert and more attentive;

• Do you know that bananas relieve us of constipation and therefore we do not need to buy laxatives;

• Do you know that bananas have a natural antiacid effect? This information is valuable to those suffering from heartburn. Do you know that bananas also help reduce ulcers since bananas produce a thick mucus protecting the stomach lining from acid;

• Do you know that banana is good for smokers who want to quit smoking. Why? Simply because bananas have high content of B6, B12, potassium and magnesium. These substances help the body recover from the adverse effects of nicotine withdrawal;

• Do you know that a banana, compared to an apple has four (4) times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorous, five times vitamin A and iron and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is rich in potassium;

• Do you know that rubbing the body area with the inside of a banana skin can reduce the swelling and irritation of mosquito bites;

• Do you know that one quick way to cure a hangover is to drink a banana milkshake sweetened with honey? Why? Because the banana calms the stomach, the honey builds up depleted blood sugar levels while the milk sooths and re-hydrates our system; and

• Do you know that snacking bananas between meals helps avoid morning sickness.

Yes, my dear readers, bananas aren’t just for monkeys!

Be joyful and kind always!