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The Nutrition of Banana Juice

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Banana juice is not as commercially available as other juices. Rarely can you find pure banana juice in grocery stores. However, don't despair! A homemade version of this juice can be easily made by putting two to three cold bananas in a blender and setting it to liquefy. Mix it either with milk or a fruit juice such as strawberry, and it is good to go. Banana juice is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Vitamins

Bananas are best known to contain the immunity-enhancing Vitamin C. Aside from this, bananas are also rich in B vitamins, such as B3, B5 and B6, and minerals such as manganese and magnesium. Vitamin B3 is niacin and it plays an important role in energy production. It also helps in maintaining healthy skin, brain, nerves, mucous membrane and digestive system. Vitamin B5, on the other hand, stimulates the immune system for the formation of antibodies. It also calms the nerves and reduces stress. Vitamin B6 assists in making amino acids for stronger immunity, healthier brain function and better excretion of waste matter. Also present in banana juice is biotin, which serves the same function as vitamin B3.

Minerals

Manganese is a mineral that is important to insulin production and is also necessary for the production of antioxidants. Magnesium's role is to increase calcium absorption, assist in metabolism and energy production. One of the banana's interesting nutritional content is a protein called tryptophan, which the body converts to seratonin, also known as the "happy hormone." Banana juice is also an excellent source of potassium. Studies have shown that high levels of potassium reduce the possibility of hypertension, even with extreme sodium intake.

Other Benefits

A glass of banana juice or a shake can be beneficial to a person with diarrhea or to athletes, since it helps to replace lost electrolytes. Aside from this, it is also an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps in lowering cholesterol.

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