10 – Bananas and depression
Bananas are considered a good mood food as they are high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is converted into 5-HTP, which is subsequently converted into the mood lifting brain neurotransmitter serotonin.1✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMC: PMC2077351
Bananas are also a good source of vitamin B9, or folate, a nutrient that helps metabolize serotonin. Individuals suffering from depression have on average 25% lower folate levels.2✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMC: PMC2738337
Nutrients in bananas
Bananas are a fantastic source of potassium as well as vitamin B6. They are a good source of fiber, magnesium, biotin, riboflavin, carbohydrates and vitamin C.
Where do bananas come from?
The banana originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. Bananas were introduced to the Americas by Portuguese explorers during the late fifteenth century. Although bananas grow in virtually all tropical and subtropical regions, the main commercial producers are Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ecuador.
Want to use our images on your site? Right click on image for embed code