Is snacking on a banana bad for me?
The banana is one of nature’s most nutritious foods. It contains many simple carbohydrates, which your body can break down rapidly for energy, and it’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin B-6. Eating too much of any type of food has its downsides, however, even if it’s a food as healthy as the banana. According to Harvard University, bananas are classified as a “medium-level” glycemic food, meaning they have a glycemic index level that is high enough to cause some fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If you eat a lot of foods that have relatively high GI levels, you may develop an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or obesity. Since bananas do contain fiber, they are more slowly digested than other foods with similarly high sugar contents, but very ripe bananas may have a higher GI and are likely to contribute to health issues if you eat too many of them.
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Tips for quick stress relief
Need to get some stress relief, now? Here’s a quick tip: Stare up at the ceiling and count down from 60. Gazing upward stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of the breath. Slow, deliberate counting will also help rid your mind of distractions. Or, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth 10 times. Deep breathing slows the heart rate and calms the body. Focusing on your stomach rising and falling, and your breath flowing in and out, will help you concentrate on your body, instead of outside distractions.
