Stress-busting Bananas

Research has shown that the humble banana can help to overcome or prevent various illnesses and conditions, including depression, PMS, Seasonal Affective Disorder and stress.

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Mental Health, people suffering from depression 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.

Bananas are full of carbohydrates and tryptophan which is key to serotonin (feel good hormone) production. They help release insulin into, and clear amino acids from the blood other than tryptophan which helps the tryptophan cross the blood brain barrier and convert to serotonin.

The body can’t make tryptophan itself, it can only get it through what you eat or drink which is why eating a banana a day should be part of anyone’s strategy to reduce stress. It’s a great thing to do too to help you lift and maintain a better mood.