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BANANAS AND ENERGY
By Douglas N. Graham, D.C.
Bananas are one of the world's finest foods for supplying
fuel energy. They supply a unique blend of vitamins,
minerals, and carbohydrates that foster a quick and
efficient conversion to useable fuel. Whether you need quick
energy release or long lasting energy, bananas supply the
fuel for the occasion.
Our
bodies convert all food matter into simple carbohydrates
(sugars) for use as fuel. This process can require
considerable energy, and will often leave you tired,
especially after a large meal. The carbohydrates in ripe
bananas are already in their simplest form, and can be
digested easily with a minimum of energy loss.
The
sugars in bananas are called glucose and fructose. Glucose
is the most easily digestible sugar. It gets into your
bloodstream rapidly and can be utilized for a quick release
of energy. The fructose is absorbed more slowly, and thus it
provides a more lasting fuel release. Neither glucose nor
fructose cause the adrenaline surge linked to consumption of
sucrose (table sugar) that gives children the "run around
like crazy" and then leaves them exhausted.
Bananas are famous as a good source of potassium, a mineral
involved in proper muscle contraction. Insufficient
potassium is one of the main causes of fatigue, muscle
cramping and dehydration.
Bananas supply the dense and ready carbohydrates necessary
to replace the muscle glycogen (muscle sugar) used during
exercise. It is wise to eat bananas before, during, and
after long bouts of activity, and after shorter, more
intense sessions.
A good
idea for energy is to have the daily lunch meal revolve
around bananas. Five bananas plus other fruits and
vegetables will leave you alert and with enough fuel to last
the rest of the day.
Serving Suggestions:
Five to ten TURBANA bananas per day, more if desired.
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Dr. Graham, author of "The High Energy Diet Recipe Guide" and "Grain
Damage", has been writing and speaking on
health/fitness/nutrition since 1980. |
