Nutritionist says consumption of bananas helps smokers to quit smoking

A nutritionist with Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, Hajiya Jummai Abdul, said on Monday that the consumption of bananas could help smokers quit smoking and ease depression.
Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that bananas could help minimise the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
She said that bananas were rich in potassium, magnesium and other vital vitamins, which gave the brain a soothing whenever it longed for nicotine.
“Bananas are very rich in potassium yet almost completely devoid of sodium and as such very well suitable to preventing high levels of blood pressure from overcoming the body,” she said.
Abdul said that the consumption of bananas could cut the risk of stroke, adding: “Eating three bananas a day cuts risk of stroke by 21 per cent.
“The miracle ingredient is potassium, which reduces blood pressure, thus combating a leading cause of stroke.”
According to Abdul, the frequent intake of bananas can help protect eyesight.
She added: “Fruits, like bananas, are important for keeping good sight.
“Eating three or more servings of fruits per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration.
“Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which helps the body to relax, improve mood and generally make happier.
“Studies show that bananas are also helpful in reducing stress levels.”
Abdul advised that people should eat bananas whenever they experienced anemia as it contained a large amount of iron.
“High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so help in cases of anemia,” Abdul said.
She said bananas were rich in fibre that helped to restore normal bowel action and overcome constipation without resorting to laxatives.
“A single serving (one medium-sized banana) contains 16 per cent of the daily recommended dietary fibre intake for a normal adult,” Abdul said.
She said those suffering from heart burn should also eat banana as its soothing relief had a natural antacid effect in the body.
She added: “Banana is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in people with severe intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness.
“Eating bananas also neutralises acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
“Aside this, other substances in bananas known as protease inhibitors get rid of bacteria in the stomach that produces stomach ulcers.”
Abdul said that the intake of bananas could be effective in preventing diarrhoea, adding that the fruit was loaded with essential nutrients vital for a healthy skin.
She said: “In uncomfortable conditions like diarrhoea, electrolytes are drained out of the body, causing weakness.
“These electrolytes could be restocked with the help of potassium levels present in bananas.
“Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas reduces risk of various types of cancer, especially bowel cancer.
“They contain high doses of vitamin C, which helps in the production of collagen, a type of protein found in the skin.
“Also, vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, protects the body from attack of free radicals that cause premature ageing.”