Benefits
Fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. They are a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals and there's evidence that people who eat at least five portions a day are at lower risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Just one apple, banana, pear or similar-sized fruit counts as one portion, a slice of pineapple or melon is one portion, and three heaped tablespoons of vegetables is another portion.
Five-a-day is easy!
Here’s one very easy way to get your five a day:
- slice a banana onto your morning cereal
- swap your mid-morning biscuit for a Satsuma or tangerine
- add a side salad to your lunch, or include a slice of pineapple
- add a portion of vegetables to your dinner
- and snack on dried fruit in the evening
Here at Fyffes we are particularly interested in the benefits to be gained by eating bananas and pineapples – after all, they’re what we’re famous for!
Focus on Bananas
Bananas - they’re low in fat, rich in vitamins and minerals, and contain a range of natural sugars that give you energy!
- They satisfy your hunger, but they’re only 95 calories.
- They give you energy.
- They’re rich in vitamins and minerals - especially potassium, which acts as a counter balance against salt.
- They’re full of fibre, to aid digestion.
- They taste GREAT!
Eating Bananas – the benefits
Containing three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) and plenty of fibre, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with some of the world's leading athletes!
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions.
| Depression According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that is known to help you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. | PMS The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. | Anaemia High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood. |
| Blood Pressure This unique, tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt - very helpful in managing blood pressure. | Brain Power Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. | Constipation Because they are high in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action - without resorting to laxatives. |
| Hangovers It has been said that one of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. | Smoking Bananas can also be helpful to people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. | Stress Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalise the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. |
So, not only is a banana a great and tasty food, it really is a natural remedy for many illnesses.
Focus on Pineapples
Fyffes Gold Supersweet Pineapples are absolutely delicious and very good for you! Just one slice counts as one of your five-a-day and they can add sweetness and flavour to a huge variety of dishes. Free of saturates and cholesterol, they are a good source of vitamin C and contain a wonderful enzyme, called Bromelain.
Pineapple, a true miracle fruit?
Vitamin C
Pineapples contain plenty of this free radical fighting vitamin, as well as B1, B6 and magnesium.
Bromelain
Pineapples, especially those of the super sweet variety, contain very significant amounts of Bromelain. This is an enzyme that aids digestion and soothes inflammation.
Also, bromelain has been found to work against bowel disease and it also acts as a catalyst with other substances to improve health.
In addition, various researches have reported that bromelain can help:
- Reduce swelling
- Balance the circulatory system
- Aches and pains
- Colds
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Itching skin and some skin disorders
- Pains associated with varicose veins
- Breast pain in mothers who were previously breast feeding