How Can Bananas Help Fight Depression?

Bananas Contain Tryptophan

Bananas, an incredibly healthy fruit, offer healthy doses of important dietary chemicals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and selenium. One of the most critical chemicals found in bananas is tryptophan. This chemical, also found in milk and turkey products, is a common amino acid that the body converts into serotonin during digestion. The body's level of serotonin contributes to or prevents depression.

Serotonin Is a Key Antidepressant

Serotonin regulates numerous body functions including sleep, metabolism, mood and brain activity. Serotonin is such a key to fighting depression that prescription antidepressant medication is designed to increase the amount of serotonin in the body. An improper balance---or complete lack---of serotonin causes clinical depression. Adding the chemical back to the body by eating tryptophan, like that found in bananas, actively fights the disorder.

Bananas are Rich in B Vitamins

Bananas are also rich in B vitamins, especially B6. Deficiencies in B6 can trigger symptoms of depression, even in patients who have not been diagnosed with the disorder. Eating foods with high concentrations of B6, like bananas, may reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression.

References

• Fine Tune You: Bananas
• Belly Bytes: Foods That Fight Depression