Go Bananas!

Have you ever seen an unhappy monkey? No, because their favorite food is high in tryptophan, one of the amino acids that increases the release of seratonin in the brain; seratonin makes you relax, puts you in a better mood, and makes you HAPPY! Bananas help increase your brain power and make you more alert. They are the favorite fruit of athletes due to high levels of potassium; only an avocado is higher in this mineral, but it's also loaded with fat. Potassium, along with sodium, regulates the fluid balance in your system; it also helps strengthen your bones because it aids in the absorption of calcium. Bananas have many other vitamins and digestive enzymes that increase the absorption of other nutrients as well, and are easily digested by almost everyone. The banana is higher in carbohydrates due to it's low water content; it's made up of three sugars, so you get an immediate boost of energy, but some is saved for later, keeping you from getting a quick rise, and then drop, in blood sugar (which causes mental and physical fatigue). So, quick go buy a bunch - they're cheap and great when you have to "grab and go". Take them apart when you get home and they won't ripe as fast! Have a good week - Melissa