Your Brown Bananas Could Help Keep Cancer at Bay

Don’t throw away your overripe bananas. A Japanese scientist found the more speckled they are, the more of a cancer-fighting chemical they contain.

In the study at Tokyo, a Professor Senji discovered overripe bananas induce the body to produce a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This potent substance communicates with cells, regulates their activities and coordinates their movements, directing them to sites of infection and inflammation. TNF’s actions helps prevent cancer from spreading by promoting the death of cells, a healthful process called apoptosis. Some researchers estimate that the protein’s anticancer properties are as effective as lentinan, a pharmaceutical immunostimulant.

The Antioxidant Factor

Senji’s work shows bananas also fight malignancy through another mechanism of action. Their antioxidants destroy free radicals, which are molecules that initiate cancer cell formation. When free radicals are decreased, the damage they inflict is minimized, a consequence that reduces the occurrence of early-stage cancer.

As bananas ripen, their antioxidant levels increase. In addition to the healthful compounds’ effect on free radicals, they also boost immunity and the production of white blood cells. This benefit is eight times more powerful in ripe bananas than in the green variety. Since immune health plays a key role in cancer prevention, the action works with the other properties in fighting the disease.

Other Health Benefits of Bananas

All bananas are highly nutritious, being rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. The high potassium content helps lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, while the fiber improves gut health and may reduce the likelihood of obesity. Bananas also contain dopamine and catechins, which help prevent heart disease and degenerative disorders. In addition, one study links banana consumption to a lower risk of kidney disease.

Add Ripe Bananas to Your Diet

To receive the most anticancer effect, eat bananas with the brown speckles before the fruit turns fully brown. If they are too soft for your taste preference at this point, put them in oatmeal with a dash of cinnamon. Alternatively, make a parfait, alternating layers of yogurt with sliced bananas and other fruit.

Ripe bananas also make wonderful cold soups, smoothies and smoothie bowls when mixed with ingredients such as coconut milk, yogurt, vanilla, nutmeg and raw honey. You can enjoy experimenting with recipes, but here is a simple one to get you started. It’s courtesy of Beautiful Smoothie Bowls: 80 Delicious and Colorful Superfood Recipes to Nourish and Satisfy by Carissa Bonham

Sunny Days Banana Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 banana, peeled
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Toppings

• 1 Strawberry, sliced
• 1/3 cup blackberries
• 1 sprig mint

Directions

• Combine all smoothie bowl ingredients in a blender jar and blend until smooth and no chunks remain.
• Pour into bowl and add toppings.

Sources:

https://www.thenewstribe.com/2015/06/18/eat-spotty-bananas-to-fight-cancer/

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/15211/

https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas/

http://partyinmyplants.com/brownish-bananas-win-ripe-bananas-rock/

https://www.naij.com/1077214-the-ideal-colour-banana-eat.html

Mary West is a natural health enthusiast, as she believes this area can profoundly enhance wellness. She is the creator of a natural healing website where she focuses on solutions to health problems that work without side effects. You can visit her site and learn more at http://www.alternativemedicinetruth.com. Ms. West is also the author of Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies.

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