#74 Just Go Bananas: Reasons You Should Eat More Bananas!

If I had to give a tip to a future comp student or anyone in general, it would be to eat more bananas. No, I did not learn this in class but I did learn about bananas while enrolled in it. I know it doesn't exactly related to writing, but eating this fruit should help boost energy, reduce stress, make a person more alert, happier in general and benefit you from a few other things.

According to a professor at CCNY, who told his psych class about bananas, the expression "Going bananas" is from the effects bananas have on the brain.

As far as stress goes, whether it is choosing a major or studying for finals, every college student experiences it. The banana may be able to help. Potassium helps normalize the heartbeat, send oxygen to the brain and regulates a body's water balance. When people are stressed, the metabolic rate rises thereby reducing potassium levels. These levels can be rebalanced with the help of a healthy organic snack such as a banana or two. Potassium also can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Compared to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron. Bananas contain 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 2 bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. Remember that paper due in the morning you've been putting off for three weeks? Try switching your energy drink for a banana and you might be able to crank out ten pages through the night.

Got a presentation? Nervous about it? While high in B vitamins, bananas help calm the nervous system. Have to look nice? Take the inside of the banana peel and rub directly on a pair of shoes then polish with a dry cloth to help them shine!

The banana can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to a daily diet. Bananas also contain typtophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

I hope this information was helpful or useful. Don't forget, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

-Olivia Herr