Bananas
As a good source of sugars and fiber, bananas are ideal for an immediate boost of energy. They are easy to carry, easy to eat and inexpensive compared to other types of fruits.
Bananas are extremely high in potassium, yet low in sodium - this is the golden combination in preventing hypertension. Bananas are also relatively rich in iron, which helps with hemoglobin function and anemia. The rich fiber also helps us stay regular. In addition, consuming bananas can restore potassium that are lost from diarrhea, which depletes the body of important electrolytes including potassium. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that puts digestive movement back on the right track.
Bananas are a good source of fructooligosaccharide (long word, huh) that nourishes probiotic (good) bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, it serves as a substrate for microflora in the large intestine. In addition, daily intake of whole fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, have been linked to a reduced risk of kidney cancer.
Another celebrated health benefits of bananas is their ability to relieve depression. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is metabolized to serotonin, which is a mood enhancer. So, next time you are feeling the blues, try not to reach for that tub of ice cream for some comfort; grab a banana instead.
Corn
The fiber content of one cup of corn amounts to nearly one fifth of the daily recommended intake of fiber. Fiber helps us stay regular, and staying regular is very important. It reduces the risk of intestinal and colon cancer. Besides, if you can get rid of the waste, why keep it?
Corn is rich in calories but low in fat. It is also rich in vitamin B constituents, especially Thiamin, which helps to maintain nerve health. The yellowness of corn comes from beta-carotene that forms vitamin A in the body, essential for keeping our eyes bright and skin beautiful. Kernels of corn are rich in vitamin E, another antioxidant that prevents premature aging.
Corn silk, or the hair-like things on the corn husk, often doesn't get the spot light it deserves. Keep the hair of corn intact when boiling them; it enriches the flavor. However, even if you are grilling your corn, or performing some other culinary tricks to them that do not require the corn silk, do not throw them away quite yet. In TCM, cork silk is regarded as a diuretic when boiled in water. It also acts to reduce and regular blood sugar.
(Source: Chinadaily.com.cn)
