Health for Body Mind and Soul

The heart is an involuntary muscle which requires a constant supply of blood via the coronary arteries in order to function. Any obstruction of these arteries leads to a heart attack or possibly cardiac arrest. Arteriosclerosis, which results from deposits of cholesterol blocking the coronary arteries, is a common disease in middle and high income level countries. Arteriosclerosis disrupts the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Arteriosclerosis can be prevented or reversed by eating foods for a healthy heart.

A heart healthy diet consists of reducing salt and sugars, eating whole grain breads and pasta, and eating at least:
• Five portions of fresh fruit each day (one portion is about the size of a tennis ball)
• One fresh vegetable salad daily (limit dressings)
• Two or three portions of legumes on a weekly basis

Numerous studies have demonstrated the heart healthy benefits of a diet which contain fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole-grains that are prepared as simply as possible. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is very beneficial following a heart attack. Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants which serve to reduce necrosis in the heart muscle. This type of diet can also reverse arteriosclerosis when it becomes part of a healthy lifestyle (Pamplona- Roger, 2006).

Banana – Heart Healthy Food

According to Pamplona-Roger (2006), the banana is one of the most nutritious and medicinal food in existence. The unripe banana contains approximately 21% starch, but the ripe banana contains about 1% starch. Bananas contain small amounts of proteins and fats, but are rich in vitamin B6, B1, B2, vitamin C, E, and folates. Bananas also contain significant amounts of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron.
Bananas contain soluble and insoluble fiber which facilitates its lipid and cholesterol-lowering properties, together with its intestinal-soothing effects. The serotonin found in bananas is responsible for vasodilation, inhibition of pain in the spinal cord, and acts as a sedative for the nerves.

Medicinal Application of Bananas

The banana has the highest potassium/sodium ratio (100 g:1 g) which is particularly helpful in preventing hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, cancer, coronary disease – angina, heart failure, myocardial infarction; and circulatory system disorders. Their rich vitamin B content and magnesium provides energy for the heart muscle, and prevents the progression or arteriosclerosis, which reduces the risk of heart attacks (Pamplona- Roger, 2006).

Other properties of bananas:

• Relief of diarrhea and celiac disease
• Uric arthritis and gout – helps to alkalize the blood. This helps to neutralize and eliminate excess uric acid
• Low sodium diet – low in sodium therefore beneficial for cirrhosis, ascites, edema
• Diabetes – sugar found in bananas are absorbed slowly without causing sharp rise in blood sugar level (Pamplona-Roger, 2006).

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